bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-band RCS reduction antennas using an EBG surface
Authors: Parsha Manivara Kumar , Nandi Arnab , Basu Banani
Published: June 2021

The paper has proposed a multilayer, polarization rotation featured, low radar cross-section (RCS) antenna using electromagnetic band-gap (EBG)-based frequency selective surface (FSS) at 8.25 GHz. Cross-shaped EBG unit cells offer zero reflection phase and −25 dB reflection magnitude at 8.25 GHz. The FSS layer consists of eight cross-shaped EBG unit cells sandwiched between two substrates to offer high absorptivity at the desired band. The circular patch antenna resonating at 8.25 GHz is placed on the top substrate having a lower dielectric constant. Four circular-shaped patches are etched at the four corners of the top layer and are coupled with two feed lines which are aligned 90° to each other at the bottom layer and interconnected diagonally to achieve polarization rotation. The proposed antenna offers a gain of 6.72 dB and an in-band RCS of −21.4 dBsm. Incident energy is backscattered into eight directions separated by angle ϕ = 45°. The proposed antenna has the RCS reduction band of 7.7–9.4 GHz. It offers normalized polarization rotation ratio more than 0.8 within the −40° to 40° angular region at the frequency band 8–8.5 GHz. The measured result using the fabricated prototype agrees well with the simulated one.
What Can Meteorites Tell Us About the Formation of Jupiter?
Authors: Weiss Benjamin P. , Bottke William F.
Published: June 2021

Gas giants like Jupiter are a fundamental component of planetary systems, but how they formed has been uncertain. Here we discuss how paleomagnetic records in meteorites of the solar nebula may tell us about Jupiter's final growth stage. We suggest that under certain testable assumptions, the meteorite data indicate that proto‐Jupiter grew from a mass of ∼50 Earth masses (M⨁) at >3.46 million years (Ma) after solar system formation to its final mass of 318 M⊕ over just <0.5 Ma. This rapid acceleration is consistent with a key prediction of the core accretion model for giant planet formation.
Uncertainty and Bias in Global to Regional Scale Assessments of Current and Future Coastal Flood Risk
Authors: Hinkel J. , Feyen L. , Hemer M. , Le Cozannet G. , Lincke D. , Marcos M. , Mentaschi L. , Merkens J. L. , de Moel H. , Muis S. , Nicholls R. J. , Vafeidis A. T. , van de Wal R. S. W. , Vousdoukas M. I. , Wahl T. , Ward P. J. , Wolff C.
Published: June 2021

This study provides a literature‐based comparative assessment of uncertainties and biases in global to world‐regional scale assessments of current and future coastal flood risks, considering mean and extreme sea‐level hazards, the propagation of these into the floodplain, people and coastal assets exposed, and their vulnerability. Globally, by far the largest bias is introduced by not considering human adaptation, which can lead to an overestimation of coastal flood risk in 2100 by up to factor 1300. But even when considering adaptation, uncertainties in how coastal societies will adapt to sea‐level rise dominate with a factor of up to 27 all other uncertainties. Other large uncertainties that have been quantified globally are associated with socio‐economic development (factors 2.3–5.8), digital elevation data (factors 1.2–3.8), ice sheet models (factor 1.6–3.8) and greenhouse gas emissions (factors 1.6–2.1). Local uncertainties that stand out but have not been quantified globally, relate to depth‐damage functions, defense failure mechanisms, surge and wave heights in areas affected by tropical cyclones (in particular for large return periods), as well as nearshore interactions between mean sea‐levels, storm surges, tides and waves. Advancing the state‐of‐the‐art requires analyzing and reporting more comprehensively on underlying uncertainties, including those in data, methods and adaptation scenarios. Epistemic uncertainties in digital elevation, coastal protection levels and depth‐damage functions would be best reduced through open community‐based efforts, in which many scholars work together in collecting and validating these data.
Perturbing Topography in a Convection‐Allowing Ensemble Prediction System for Heavy Rain Forecasts
Authors: Li Jun , Du Jun , Xiong Jie , Wang Minghuan
Published: June 2021

Four methods to perturb model terrain are demonstrated in a convection‐allowing scale (3 km) ensemble prediction system (EPS) for heavy rain forecasts. The impact of methods was examined in terms of ensemble mean, spread‐skill relationship and probabilistic forecast. The study was carried out for four major precipitation events. It is found that: (a) using different combinations of topography smoothing and interpolation is a promising way to perturb model topography. Even perturbing the topography alone can greatly improve heavy rain forecasts. The benefit of ensemble forecasts increases with the increase in rainfall amount. (b) Adding random perturbations to model topography is not ideal and could hurt ensemble performance due to a too noisy structure although it increases ensemble spread. Perturbation structure plays a more important role than perturbation size. (c) Using the terrain difference between a higher and lower resolution model to estimate possible errors in model terrain is explored. By adding such terrain differences to the terrain‐generating‐scheme based perturbation (the control experiment) can not only enlarge perturbation size but also keep a good spatial structure. Such a modified ensemble performed similarly in ensemble mean forecasts but improved the ensemble spread and probabilistic forecast. It is recommended that perturbed model terrain should be included in operational EPSs to improve heavy precipitation forecasts. The simple terrain‐generating‐scheme based perturbation method, as described in this study, is effective and can be implemented in an existing operational EPS without extra computing cost.
Exploring the Drivers Controlling the Priming Effect and Its Magnitude in Aquatic Systems
Authors: Sanches Lúcia Fernandes , Guenet Bertrand , Marino Nicholas dos Anjos Cristiano , de Assis Esteves Francisco
Published: June 2021

Changes in mineralization rates of stable or persistent organic matter induced by inputs of labile organic matter can alter the organic carbon (C) balance along the terrestrial‐aquatic ecosystem continuum. This phenomenon, also known as the priming effect, is well‐established in terrestrial ecosystems, but has only recently been explored in the domain of aquatic ecology–with widely contrasting responses of stable carbon to the priming effect reported across the literature. Here, we compiled data from experimental studies on C mineralization in aquatic systems that directly or indirectly tested for the priming effect and used a meta‐analytic approach to investigate the physical and chemical drivers behind the differing outcomes reported across studies. We found that the reported heterogeneity could be explained by two main factors: how the priming effect is measured and whether the study was performed in the laboratory or under field conditions. These findings suggest that how the priming effect is tested and measured has strong implications for its detection and magnitude.
Association of inflammation with depression and anxiety: evidence for symptom-specificity and potential causality from UK Biobank and NESDA cohorts
Authors: Milaneschi Yuri , Kappelmann Nils , Ye Zheng , Lamers Femke , Moser Sylvain , Jones Peter B. , Burgess Stephen , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Khandaker Golam M.
Published: June 2021

We examined whether inflammation is uniformly associated with all depressive and anxiety symptoms, and whether these associations are potentially causal. Data was from 147,478 individuals from the UK Biobank (UKB) and 2,905 from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in both cohorts and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in NESDA. Genetic instruments for these proteins were obtained from published GWAS and UKB. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with self-report questionnaires. In NESDA, neurovegetative (appetite, sleep, psychomotor) symptoms were disaggregated as increased vs. decreased. In joint analyses, higher CRP was associated with depressive symptoms of depressed mood (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.05–1.08), altered appetite (OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.23–1.28), sleep problems (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.04–1.06), and fatigue (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.11–1.14), and with anxiety symptoms of irritability (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.05–1.08) and worrying control (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02–1.04). In NESDA, higher IL-6 was additionally associated with anhedonia (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.12–1.52). Higher levels of both CRP (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.13–1.43) and IL-6 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07–1.49) were associated with increased sleep. Higher CRP was associated with increased appetite (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08–1.35) while higher IL-6 with decreased appetite (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.18–1.79). In Mendelian Randomisation analyses, genetically predicted higher IL-6 activity was associated with increased risk of fatigue (estimate = 0.25, SE = 0.08) and sleep problems (estimate = 0.19, SE = 0.07). Inflammation was associated with core depressive symptoms of low mood and anhedonia and somatic/neurovegetative symptoms of fatigue, altered sleep and appetite changes. Less consistent associations were found for anxiety. The IL-6/IL-6R pathway could be causally linked to depression. Experimental studies are required to further evaluate causality, mechanisms, and usefulness of immunotherapies for depressive symptoms.
Oral health problems in high-performance athletes at 2019 Pan American Games in Lima: a descriptive study
Authors: Opazo-García Catalina , Moya-Salazar Jeel , Chicoma-Flores Karina , Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Dental care is provided for high-performance athletes at national and international sports events. Elite athletes may seek care for sports-related injuries and pre-existing oral diseases. Previous studies indicate an association between oral health problems and negative performance impacts in elite athletes.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of the most common oral pathologies in high-performance athletes during the emergency dental care performed at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games (JPL-19).

Methodology

All reports of athletes (≥18 years old, of both sexes, from 41 countries) who received emergency dental care at Pan American Villas during the JPL-19 were included. Injuries and types of oral diseases were classified according to the Injury and Disease Surveillance System proposed by the International Olympic Committee.

Results

Of the 6680 participating athletes, 76 (1.14%) presented as dental emergencies, 90.8% (69/76) of the athletes seen presented pre-existing oral pathological conditions, the most frequent were periodontal diseases (34%, 26/76) and dental caries (29%, 22/76). Among the sports with the most cases, there were 22 (29%) in athletics, 6 (8%) in soccer, and 6 (8%) in taekwondo. The most frequent dental emergencies came from Peru, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Grenada, and Venezuela.

Conclusions

Pre-existing oral diseases were more frequent than sports-related accidents. The most prevalent diseases were periodontal disease and dental caries disease. It is necessary to implement new care strategies for athletes, based on prevention, before and during sports competitions.
Prophylaxis with intrathecal or high-dose methotrexate in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high risk of CNS relapse
Authors: Bobillo Sabela , Joffe Erel , Sermer David , Mondello Patrizia , Ghione Paola , Caron Philip C. , Hamilton Audrey , Hamlin Paul A. , Horwitz Steven M. , Kumar Anita , Matasar Matthew J. , Batlevi Connie L. , Moskowitz Alison , Noy Ariela , Owens Collette N. , Palomba M. Lia , Straus David , von Keudell Gottfried , Dogan Ahmet , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Younes Anas
Published: June 2021

Although methotrexate (MTX) is the most widely used therapy for central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the optimal regimen remains unclear. We examined the efficacy of different prophylactic regimens in 585 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL and high-risk for CNS relapse, treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or R-CHOP-like regimens from 2001 to 2017, of whom 295 (50%) received prophylaxis. Intrathecal (IT) MTX was given to 253 (86%) and high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) to 42 (14%). After a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 36 of 585 patients relapsed in the CNS, of whom 14 had received prophylaxis. The CNS relapse risk at 1 year was lower for patients who received prophylaxis than patients who did not: 2% vs. 7.1%. However, the difference became less significant over time (5-year risk 5.6% vs. 7.5%), indicating prophylaxis tended to delay CNS relapse rather than prevent it. Furthermore, the CNS relapse risk was similar in patients who received IT and HD-MTX (5-year risk 5.6% vs. 5.2%). Collectively, our data indicate the benefit of MTX for CNS prophylaxis is transient, highlighting the need for more effective prophylactic regimens. In addition, our results failed to demonstrate a clinical advantage for the HD-MTX regimen.
Reovirus mutant jin-3 exhibits lytic and immune-stimulatory effects in preclinical human prostate cancer models
Authors: van de Merbel Arjanneke F. , van der Horst Geertje , van der Mark Maaike H. , Bots Selas T. F. , van den Wollenberg Diana J. M. , de Ridder Corrina M. A. , Stuurman Debra , Aalders Tilly , Erkens-Schulz Sigrun , van Montfoort Nadine , Karthaus Wouter R. , Mehra Niven , Smits Minke , Schalken Jack A. , van Weerden Wytske M. , Hoeben Rob C. , van der Pluijm Gabri
Published: June 2021

Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer remains a challenging clinical problem. Despite the promising effects of immunotherapy in other solid cancers, prostate cancer has remained largely unresponsive. Oncolytic viruses represent a promising therapeutic avenue, as oncolytic virus treatment combines tumour cell lysis with activation of the immune system and mounting of effective anti-tumour responses. Mammalian Orthoreoviruses are non-pathogenic human viruses with a preference of lytic replication in human tumour cells. In this study, we evaluated the oncolytic efficacy of the bioselected oncolytic reovirus mutant jin-3 in multiple human prostate cancer models. The jin-3 reovirus displayed efficient infection, replication, and anti-cancer responses in 2D and 3D prostate cancer models, as well as in ex vivo cultured human tumour slices. In addition, the jin-3 reovirus markedly reduced the viability and growth of human cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. The infection induced the expression of mediators of immunogenic cell death, interferon-stimulated genes, and inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the reovirus mutant jin-3 displays tumour tropism, and induces potent oncolytic and immunomodulatory responses in human prostate cancer models. Therefore, jin-3 reovirus represents an attractive candidate for further development as oncolytic agent for treatment of patients with aggressive localised or advanced prostate cancer.
ADAMTS1, MPDZ, MVD, and SEZ6: candidate genes for autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment
Authors: Bharadwaj Thashi , Schrauwen Isabelle , Rehman Sakina , Liaqat Khurram , Acharya Anushree , Giese Arnaud P. J. , Nouel-Saied Liz M. , Nasir Abdul , Everard Jenna L. , Pollock Lana M. , Zhu Shaoyuan , Bamshad Michael J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Ali Raja Hussain , Ullah Asmat , Wali Abdul , Ali Ghazanfar , Santos-Cortez Regie Lyn P. , Ahmed Zubair M. , McDermott Brian M. , Ansar Muhammad , Riazuddin Saima , Ahmad Wasim , Leal Suzanne M.
Published: June 2021

Hearing impairment (HI) is a common disorder of sensorineural function with a highly heterogeneous genetic background. Although substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the genetic etiology of hereditary HI, many genes implicated in HI remain undiscovered. Via exome and Sanger sequencing of DNA samples obtained from consanguineous Pakistani families that segregate profound prelingual sensorineural HI, we identified rare homozygous missense variants in four genes (ADAMTS1, MPDZ, MVD, and SEZ6) that are likely the underlying cause of HI. Linkage analysis provided statistical evidence that these variants are associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic HI. In silico analysis of the mutant proteins encoded by these genes predicted structural, conformational or interaction changes. RNAseq data analysis revealed expression of these genes in the sensory epithelium of the mouse inner ear during embryonic, postnatal, and adult stages. Immunohistochemistry of the mouse cochlear tissue, further confirmed the expression of ADAMTS1, SEZ6, and MPDZ in the neurosensory hair cells of the organ of Corti, while MVD expression was more prominent in the spiral ganglion cells. Overall, supported by in silico mutant protein analysis, animal models, linkage analysis, and spatiotemporal expression profiling in the mouse inner ear, we propose four new candidate genes for HI and expand our understanding of the etiology of HI.
Effect of COVID-19 response policies on walking behavior in US cities
Authors: Hunter Ruth F. , Garcia Leandro , de Sa Thiago Herick , Zapata-Diomedi Belen , Millett Christopher , Woodcock James , Pentland Alex ’Sandy’ , Moro Esteban
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing mass disruption to our daily lives. We integrate mobility data from mobile devices and area-level data to study the walking patterns of 1.62 million anonymous users in 10 metropolitan areas in the United States. The data covers the period from mid-February 2020 (pre-lockdown) to late June 2020 (easing of lockdown restrictions). We detect when users were walking, distance walked and time of the walk, and classify each walk as recreational or utilitarian. Our results reveal dramatic declines in walking, particularly utilitarian walking, while recreational walking has recovered and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Our findings also demonstrate important social patterns, widening existing inequalities in walking behavior. COVID-19 response measures have a larger impact on walking behavior for those from low-income areas and high use of public transportation. Provision of equal opportunities to support walking is key to opening up our society and economy.
Sensitive period for rescuing parvalbumin interneurons connectivity and social behavior deficits caused by TSC1 loss
Authors: Amegandjin Clara A. , Choudhury Mayukh , Jadhav Vidya , Carriço Josianne Nunes , Quintal Ariane , Berryer Martin , Snapyan Marina , Chattopadhyaya Bidisha , Saghatelyan Armen , Di Cristo Graziella
Published: June 2021

The Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway controls several aspects of neuronal development. Mutations in regulators of mTORC1, such as Tsc1 and Tsc2, lead to neurodevelopmental disorders associated with autism, intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. The correct development of inhibitory interneurons is crucial for functional circuits. In particular, the axonal arborisation and synapse density of parvalbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic interneurons change in the postnatal brain. How and whether mTORC1 signaling affects PV cell development is unknown. Here, we show that Tsc1 haploinsufficiency causes a premature increase in terminal axonal branching and bouton density formed by mutant PV cells, followed by a loss of perisomatic innervation in adult mice. PV cell-restricted Tsc1 haploinsufficient and knockout mice show deficits in social behavior. Finally, we identify a sensitive period during the third postnatal week during which treatment with the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin rescues deficits in both PV cell innervation and social behavior in adult conditional haploinsufficient mice. Our findings reveal a role of mTORC1 signaling in the regulation of the developmental time course and maintenance of cortical PV cell connectivity and support a mechanistic basis for the targeted rescue of autism-related behaviors in disorders associated with deregulated mTORC1 signaling.
Extracellular mRNA transported to the nucleus exerts translation-independent function
Authors: Tomita Takeshi , Kato Masayoshi , Mishima Taishi , Matsunaga Yuta , Sanjo Hideki , Ito Ken-ichi , Minagawa Kentaro , Matsui Toshimitsu , Oikawa Hiroyuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Takao Toshifumi , Iwai Noriki , Mino Takashi , Takeuchi Osamu , Maru Yoshiro , Hiratsuka Sachie
Published: June 2021

RNA in extracellular vesicles (EVs) are uptaken by cells, where they regulate fundamental cellular functions. EV-derived mRNA in recipient cells can be translated. However, it is still elusive whether “naked nonvesicular extracellular mRNA” (nex-mRNA) that are not packed in EVs can be uptaken by cells and, if so, whether they have any functions in recipient cells. Here, we show the entrance of nex-mRNA in the nucleus, where they exert a translation-independent function. Human nex-interleukin-1β (IL1β)-mRNA outside cells proved to be captured by RNA-binding zinc finger CCCH domain containing protein 12D (ZC3H12D)-expressing human natural killer (NK) cells. ZC3H12D recruited to the cell membrane binds to the 3′-untranslated region of nex-IL1β-mRNA and transports it to the nucleus. The nex-IL1β-mRNA in the NK cell nucleus upregulates antiapoptotic gene expression, migration activity, and interferon-γ production, leading to the killing of cancer cells and antimetastasis in mice. These results implicate the diverse actions of mRNA.
Genetic variants associated with inherited cardiovascular disorders among 13,131 asymptomatic older adults of European descent
Authors: Lacaze Paul , Sebra Robert , Riaz Moeen , Ingles Jodie , Tiller Jane , Thompson Bryony A. , James Paul A. , Fatkin Diane , Semsarian Christopher , Reid Christopher M. , Tonkin Andrew M. , Winship Ingrid , Schadt Eric , McNeil John J.
Published: June 2021

Genetic testing is used to optimise the management of inherited cardiovascular disorders that can cause sudden cardiac death. Yet more genotype–phenotype correlation studies from populations not ascertained on clinical symptoms or family history of disease are required to improve understanding of gene penetrance. We performed targeted sequencing of 25 genes used routinely in clinical genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular disorders in a population of 13,131 asymptomatic older individuals (mean age 75 years) enrolled in the ASPREE trial. Participants had no prior history of cardiovascular disease events, dementia or physical disability at enrolment. Variants were classified following ACMG/AMP standards. Sudden and rapid cardiac deaths were clinically adjudicated as ASPREE trial endpoints, and assessed during mean 4.7 years of follow-up. In total, 119 participants had pathogenic/deleterious variants in one of the 25 genes analysed (carrier rate of 1 in 110 or 0.9%). Participants carried variants associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (N = 24), dilated cardiomyopathy (N = 29), arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy (N = 22), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (N = 4), aortopathies (N = 1), and long-QT syndrome (N = 39). Among 119 carriers, two died from presumed sudden/rapid cardiac deaths during follow-up (1.7%); both with pathogenic variants in long-QT syndrome genes (KCNQ1, SCN5A). Among non-carriers, the rate of sudden/rapid cardiac deaths was significantly lower (0.08%, 11/12936, p < 0.001). Variants associated with inherited cardiovascular disorders are found in asymptomatic individuals aged 70 years and older without a history of cardiovascular disease.
Sounding out falsified medicines from genuine medicines using Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS)
Authors: Alfarsi Anas , Caillet Céline , Fawbert Garry , Lawrence Simon , Krüse Jacob , McSweeney Seán , O’Mahony Marcus , Dondorp Arjen , Newton Paul N. , Fitzpatrick Dara
Published: June 2021

The trade in falsified medicine has increased significantly and it is estimated that global falsified sales have reached $100 billion in 2020. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive states that falsified medicines do not only reach patients through illegal routes but also via the legal supply chain. Falsified medicines can contain harmful ingredients. They can also contain too little or too much active ingredient or no active ingredient at all. BARDS (Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy) harnesses an acoustic phenomenon associated with the dissolution of a sample (tablet or powder). The resulting acoustic spectrum is unique and intrinsic to the sample and can be used as an identifier or signature profile. BARDS was evaluated in this study to determine whether a product is falsified or genuine in a rapid manner and at lower cost than many existing technologies. A range of genuine and falsified medicines, including falsified antimalarial tablets from south-east Asia, were tested, and compared to their counterpart genuine products. Significant differences between genuine and falsified doses were found in their acoustic signatures as they disintegrate and dissolve. Principal component analysis was employed to differentiate between the genuine and falsified medicines. This demonstrates that the tablets and capsules included here have intrinsic acoustic signatures which could be used to screen the quality of medicines.
Relationship between Apgar scores and long-term cognitive outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: del Hoyo Soriano Laura , Rosser Tracie C. , Hamilton Debra R. , Harvey Danielle J. , Abbeduto Leonard , Sherman Stephanie L.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the contribution of the Apgar score at 1 and 5 min after birth to later cognitive functioning in 168 individuals with Down syndrome who were between 6 and 25 years of age at time of cognitive testing. Our results showed that a lower Apgar score at 1 min was related to a worse performance in later cognitive measures of receptive vocabulary, verbal comprehension and production, visual memory and working memory. Results also showed that a lower Apgar score at 5 min was only related to worse later outcomes of verbal comprehension and production and auditory working memory. Our findings suggest a need for future studies investigating how specific perinatal events reflected in the Apgar score are linked to later cognitive functioning in individuals with Down syndrome.
Advanced mycelium materials as potential self-growing biomedical scaffolds
Authors: Antinori Maria Elena , Contardi Marco , Suarato Giulia , Armirotti Andrea , Bertorelli Rosalia , Mancini Giorgio , Debellis Doriana , Athanassiou Athanassia
Published: June 2021

Mycelia, the vegetative part of fungi, are emerging as the avant-garde generation of natural, sustainable, and biodegradable materials for a wide range of applications. They are constituted of a self-growing and interconnected fibrous network of elongated cells, and their chemical and physical properties can be adjusted depending on the conditions of growth and the substrate they are fed upon. So far, only extracts and derivatives from mycelia have been evaluated and tested for biomedical applications. In this study, the entire fibrous structures of mycelia of the edible fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum are presented as self-growing bio-composites that mimic the extracellular matrix of human body tissues, ideal as tissue engineering bio-scaffolds. To this purpose, the two mycelial strains are inactivated by autoclaving after growth, and their morphology, cell wall chemical composition, and hydrodynamical and mechanical features are studied. Finally, their biocompatibility and direct interaction with primary human dermal fibroblasts are investigated. The findings demonstrate the potentiality of mycelia as all-natural and low-cost bio-scaffolds, alternative to the tissue engineering systems currently in place.
Biochemical consequences of two clinically relevant ND-gene mutations in Escherichia coli respiratory complex I
Authors: Nuber Franziska , Schimpf Johannes , di Rago Jean-Paul , Tribouillard-Tanvier Déborah , Procaccio Vincent , Martin-Negrier Marie-Laure , Trimouille Aurélien , Biner Olivier , von Ballmoos Christoph , Friedrich Thorsten
Published: June 2021

NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (respiratory complex I) plays a major role in energy metabolism by coupling electron transfer from NADH to quinone with proton translocation across the membrane. Complex I deficiencies were found to be the most common source of human mitochondrial dysfunction that manifest in a wide variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Seven subunits of human complex I are encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that carry an unexpectedly large number of mutations discovered in mitochondria from patients’ tissues. However, whether or how these genetic aberrations affect complex I at a molecular level is unknown. Here, we used Escherichia coli as a model system to biochemically characterize two mutations that were found in mtDNA of patients. The V253AMT-ND5 mutation completely disturbed the assembly of complex I, while the mutation D199GMT-ND1 led to the assembly of a stable complex capable to catalyze redox-driven proton translocation. However, the latter mutation perturbs quinone reduction leading to a diminished activity. D199MT-ND1 is part of a cluster of charged amino acid residues that are suggested to be important for efficient coupling of quinone reduction and proton translocation. A mechanism considering the role of D199MT-ND1 for energy conservation in complex I is discussed.
Centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CPAP) positively regulates endocytic vesicular transport and lysosome targeting of EGFR
Authors: Gudi Radhika , Palanisamy Viswanathan , Vasu Chenthamarakshan
Published: June 2021

Centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CPAP) plays a critical role in restricting the centriole length in human cells. Here, we report a novel, positive regulatory influence for CPAP on endocytic vesicular transport (EVT) and lysosome targeting of internalized-cell surface receptor EGFR. We observed that higher CPAP levels cause an increase in the abundance of multi-vesicular body (MVB) and EGFR is detectable in CPAP-overexpression induced puncta. The surface and cellular levels of EGFR are higher under CPAP deficiency and lower under CPAP overexpression. While ligand-engagement induced internalization or routing of EGFR into early endosomes is not influenced by cellular levels of CPAP, we found that targeting of ligand-activated, internalized EGFR to lysosome is impacted by CPAP levels. Transport of ligand-bound EGFR from early endosome to late endosome/MVB and lysosome is diminished in CPAP-depleted cells. Moreover, CPAP depleted cells appear to show a diminished ability to form MVB structures upon EGFR activation. These observations suggest a positive regulatory effect of CPAP on EVT of ligand-bound EGFR-like cell surface receptors to MVB and lysosome. Overall, identification of a non-centriolar function of CPAP in endocytic trafficking provides new insights in understanding the non-canonical cellular functions of CPAP.
Upper limits to sustainable organic wheat yields
Authors: Döring Thomas F. , Neuhoff Daniel
Published: June 2021

Current use of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers is unsustainable because of its high fossil energy requirements and a considerable enrichment of the biosphere with reactive N. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) from leguminous crops is the most important renewable primary N source, especially in organic farming. However, it remains unclear to which degree BNF can sustainably replace mineral N, overcome the organic to conventional (O:C) yield gap and contribute to food security. Using an agronomic modelling approach, we show that in high-yielding areas farming systems exclusively based on BNF are unlikely to sustainably reach yield levels of mineral-N based systems. For a high reference wheat yield (7.5 t ha−1) and a realistic proportion of fodder legumes in the rotation (33%) even optimistic levels of BNF (282 kg N ha−1), resulted in an O:C ratio far below parity (0.62). Various constraints limit the agricultural use of BNF, such as arable land available for legumes and highly variable performance under on-farm conditions. Reducing the O:C yield gap through legumes will require BNF performance to be increased and N losses to be minimised, yet our results show that limits to the productivity of legume-based farming systems will still remain inevitable.
Machine learning algorithm improved automated droplet classification of ddPCR for detection of BRAF V600E in paraffin-embedded samples
Authors: Colozza-Gama Gabriel A. , Callegari Fabiano , Bešič Nikola , Paniza Ana Carolina de J. , Cerutti Janete M.
Published: June 2021

Somatic mutations in cancer driver genes can help diagnosis, prognosis and treatment decisions. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimen is the main source of DNA for somatic mutation detection. To overcome constraints of DNA isolated from FFPE, we compared pyrosequencing and ddPCR analysis for absolute quantification of BRAF V600E mutation in the DNA extracted from FFPE specimens and compared the results to the qualitative detection information obtained by Sanger Sequencing. Sanger sequencing was able to detect BRAF V600E mutation only when it was present in more than 15% total alleles. Although the sensitivity of ddPCR is higher than that observed for Sanger, it was less consistent than pyrosequencing, likely due to droplet classification bias of FFPE-derived DNA. To address the droplet allocation bias in ddPCR analysis, we have compared different algorithms for automated droplet classification and next correlated these findings with those obtained from pyrosequencing. By examining the addition of non-classifiable droplets (rain) in ddPCR, it was possible to obtain better qualitative classification of droplets and better quantitative classification compared to no rain droplets, when considering pyrosequencing results. Notable, only the Machine learning k-NN algorithm was able to automatically classify the samples, surpassing manual classification based on no-template controls, which shows promise in clinical practice.
Strength enhancement of concrete using incinerated agricultural waste as supplementary cement materials
Authors: Manan Teh Sabariah Binti Abd , Kamal Nur Liyana Mohd , Beddu Salmia , Khan Taimur , Mohamad Daud , Syamsir Agusril , Itam Zarina , Jusoh Hisyam , Basri Nur Amalina Nadiah , Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini Wan , Isa Mohamed Hasnain , Shafiq Nasir , Ahmad Amirrudin , Rasdi Nadiah Wan
Published: June 2021

The potassium (K) and sodium (Na) elements in banana are needed for hydration reaction that can enhance the strength properties of concrete. This research aims (a) to determine the material engineering properties of banana skin ash (BSA) and concrete containing BSA, (b) to measure the strength enhancement of concrete due to BSA, and (c) to identify optimal application of BSA as supplementary cement materials (SCM) in concrete. The BSA characterization were assessed through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Blaine’s air permeability. The workability, compressive strength, and microstructures of concrete containing BSA were analysed using slump test, universal testing machine (UTM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 15 oxides and 19 non-oxides elements were identified in BSA with K (43.1%) the highest and Na was not detected. At 20 g of mass, the BSA had a higher bulk density (198.43 ± 0.00 cm3) than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (36.32 ± 0.00 cm3) indicating availability of large surface area for water absorption. The concrete workability was reduced with the presence of BSA (0% BSA: > 100 mm, 1% BSA: 19 ± 1.0 mm, 2%: 15 ± 0.0 mm, 3% BSA: 10 ± 0.0 mm). The compressive strength increased with the number of curing days. The concrete microstructures were improved; interfacial transition zones (ITZ) decreased with an increase of BSA. The optimal percentage of BSA obtained was at 1.25%. The established model showed significant model terms (Sum of Squares = 260.60, F value = 69.84) with probability of 0.01% for the F-value to occur due to noise. The established model is useful for application in construction industries.
Extrinsic factors, endocrine mechanisms, and behavioral indicators of migratory restlessness in wintering whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus)
Authors: Yang Liangliang , Wang Wenxia , Sun Ping , Huang Songlin , Gao Ruyi , Kong Desheng , Ru Wendong , Wronski Torsten , Zhang Guogang
Published: June 2021

Extrinsic factors, endocrine mechanisms, and behavioral indicators of migratory restlessness were studied in wintering whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) in the Sanmenxia Swan National Wetland Park in western Henan Province, central China. First, the fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentration was established and related to mean air temperature or photo period (day length) using simple linear or non-linear regression models. After a model selection procedure, the best fitted model revealed that an increase of FGM concentration was associated with an increase in the squared mean air temperature (R2 = 0.88). Other models showed an increasing FGM concentration to correspond with increasing values of day length, squared day length, and mean air temperature—however without statistical support. In a second step, behavioral frequencies of seven behaviors were condensed into three behavioral principal components (PCs) using principal components analysis. Behavioral PCs largely corresponded to three activity phases described for wintering whooper swans in central China and were correlated with the FGM concentration using Spearman's rank-order correlations. Results revealed a significant correlation between FGM and behavioral PC2 (positive factor loadings from vigilance and preening, negative loading from foraging). Finally, we tested for an effect of behavioral PCs on changes in winter home range size using a set of multiple linear regression models. Results of averaged model parameter estimates showed only the behavioral PC3 (positive factor loadings from fighting and calling, negative loading from locomotion) had a marginal significant effect on home range size. Results confirmed findings of previous studies on migratory restlessness in whooper swans. However, due to the small sample size (N = 15 weeks) the effect of PC3 on home range size was weak and should be viewed with caution.
Yeast adaptive response to acetic acid stress involves structural alterations and increased stiffness of the cell wall
Authors: Ribeiro Ricardo A. , Vitorino Miguel V. , Godinho Cláudia P. , Bourbon-Melo Nuno , Robalo Tiago T. , Fernandes Fábio , Rodrigues Mário S. , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: June 2021

This work describes a coordinate and comprehensive view on the time course of the alterations occurring at the level of the cell wall during adaptation of a yeast cell population to sudden exposure to a sub-lethal stress induced by acetic acid. Acetic acid is a major inhibitory compound in industrial bioprocesses and a widely used preservative in foods and beverages. Results indicate that yeast cell wall resistance to lyticase activity increases during acetic acid-induced growth latency, corresponding to yeast population adaptation to sudden exposure to this stress. This response correlates with: (i) increased cell stiffness, assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM); (ii) increased content of cell wall β-glucans, assessed by fluorescence microscopy, and (iii) slight increase of the transcription level of the GAS1 gene encoding a β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase that leads to elongation of (1→3)-β-d-glucan chains. Collectively, results reinforce the notion that the adaptive yeast response to acetic acid stress involves a coordinate alteration of the cell wall at the biophysical and molecular levels. These alterations guarantee a robust adaptive response essential to limit the futile cycle associated to the re-entry of the toxic acid form after the active expulsion of acetate from the cell interior.
Ethylene reduces glucose sensitivity and reverses photosynthetic repression through optimization of glutathione production in salt-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sehar Zebus , Iqbal Noushina , Khan M. Iqbal R. , Masood Asim , Rehman Md. Tabish , Hussain Afzal , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Ahmad Altaf , Khan Nafees A.
Published: June 2021

Ethylene plays a crucial role throughout the life cycle of plants under optimal and stressful environments. The present study reports the involvement of exogenously sourced ethylene (as ethephon; 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) in the protection of the photosynthetic activity from glucose (Glu) sensitivity through its influence on the antioxidant system for adaptation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants under salt stress. Ten-day-old plants were subjected to control and 100 mM NaCl and treated with 200 µl L−1 ethephon on foliage at 20 days after seed sowing individually or in combination with 6% Glu. Plants receiving ethylene exhibited higher growth and photosynthesis through reduced Glu sensitivity in the presence of salt stress. Moreover, ethylene-induced reduced glutathione (GSH) production resulted in increased psbA and psbB expression to protect PSII activity and photosynthesis under salt stress. The use of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), GSH biosynthesis inhibitor, substantiated the involvement of ethylene-induced GSH in the reversal of Glu-mediated photosynthetic repression in salt-stressed plants. It was suggested that ethylene increased the utilization of Glu under salt stress through its influence on photosynthetic potential and sink strength and reduced the Glu-mediated repression of photosynthesis.
A combined biomarker approach for characterising extracellular matrix profiles in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Brunton-O’Sullivan Morgane M. , Holley Ana S. , Hally Kathryn E. , Kristono Gisela A. , Harding Scott A. , Larsen Peter D.
Published: June 2021

Extracellular matrix (ECM) biomarkers are useful for measuring underlying molecular activity associated with cardiac repair following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the interrelationships between ECM biomarkers, and cluster analysis to identify if distinct ECM profiles could distinguish patient risk in AMI. Ten ECM biomarkers were measured from plasma in 140 AMI patients: MMP-2, -3, -8, -9, periostin, procollagen I N-Terminal propeptide, osteopontin, TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and -4. EFA grouped eight ECM biomarkers into a two-factor solution, which comprised three biomarkers in Factor 1 and five biomarkers in Factor 2. Notably, ECM biomarkers were not separated based on biological function. Cluster analysis grouped AMI patients into three distinct clusters. Cluster One (n = 54) had increased levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, and TGF-B1. Cluster Two (n = 43) had elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, osteopontin, periostin and TIMP-1, and increased high-sensitivity troponin T and GRACE scores. Cluster Three (n = 43) had decreased levels of ECM biomarkers. Circulating ECM biomarkers demonstrated collinearity and entwined biological functions based on EFA analysis. Using cluster analysis, patients with similar clinical presentations could be separated into distinct ECM profiles that were associated with differential patient risk. Clinical significance remains to be determined.
The composition of Australian Plantago seeds highlights their potential as nutritionally-rich functional food ingredients
Authors: Cowley James M. , O’Donovan Lisa A. , Burton Rachel A.
Published: June 2021

When wetted, Plantago seeds become covered with a polysaccharide-rich gel called mucilage that has value as a food additive and bulking dietary fibre. Industrially, the dry husk layer that becomes mucilage, called psyllium, is milled off Plantago ovata seeds, the only commercial-relevant Plantago species, while the residual inner seed tissues are either used for low value animal feed or discarded. We suggest that this practice is potentially wasting a highly nutritious resource and here describe the use of histological, physicochemical, and chromatographic analyses to compare whole seed composition/characteristics of P. ovata with 11 relatives already adapted to harsh Australian conditions that may represent novel commercial crop options. We show that substantial interspecific differences in mucilage yield and macromolecular properties are mainly a consequence of differences in heteroxylan and pectin composition and probably represent wide differences in hydrocolloid functionality that can be exploited in industry. We also show that non-mucilage producing inner seed tissues contain a substantial mannan-rich endosperm, high in fermentable sugars, protein, and fats. Whole seed Plantago flour, particularly from some species obtained from harsh Australian environments, may provide improved economic and health benefits compared to purified P. ovata psyllium husk, by retaining the functionality of the seed mucilage and providing additional essential nutrients.
Aboveground plant-to-plant communication reduces root nodule symbiosis and soil nutrient concentrations
Authors: Takahashi Yuta , Shiojiri Kaori , Yamawo Akira
Published: June 2021

Aboveground communication between plants is well known to change defense traits in leaves, but its effects on belowground plant traits and soil characteristics have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that aboveground plant-to-plant communication reduces root nodule symbiosis via induction of bactericidal chemical defense substances and changes the soil nutrient environment. Soybean plants were exposed to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from damaged shoots of Solidago canadensis var. scabra, and leaf defense traits (total phenolics, saponins), root saponins, and root nodule symbiosis traits (number and biomass of root nodules) were measured. Soil C/N ratios and mineral concentrations were also measured to estimate the effects of resource uptake by the plants. We found that total phenolics were not affected. However, plants that received VOCs had higher saponin concentrations in both leaves and roots, and fewer root nodules than untreated plants. Although the concentrations of soil minerals did not differ between treatments, soil C/N ratio was significantly higher in the soil of communicated plants. Thus, the aboveground plant-to-plant communication led to reductions in root nodule symbiosis and soil nutrient concentrations. Our results suggest that there are broader effects of induced chemical defenses in aboveground plant organs upon belowground microbial interactions and soil nutrients, and emphasize that plant response based on plant-to-plant communications are a bridge between above- and below-ground ecosystems.
Mitochondrial DNA duplication, recombination, and introgression during interspecific hybridization
Authors: Bágeľová Poláková Silvia , Lichtner Žaneta , Szemes Tomáš , Smolejová Martina , Sulo Pavol
Published: June 2021

mtDNA recombination events in yeasts are known, but altered mitochondrial genomes were not completed. Therefore, we analyzed recombined mtDNAs in sixSaccharomyces cerevisiae × Saccharomyces paradoxushybrids in detail. Assembled molecules contain mostly segments with variable length introgressed to other mtDNA. All recombination sites are in the vicinity of the mobile elements, introns incox1,cobgenes and free standingORF1,ORF4.The transplaced regions involve co-converted proximal exon regions. Thus, these selfish elements are beneficial to the host if the mother molecule is challenged with another molecule for transmission to the progeny. They trigger mtDNA recombination ensuring the transfer of adjacent regions, into the progeny of recombinant molecules. The recombination of the large segments may result in mitotically stable duplication of several genes.