julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
The tomato resistance gene Bs4 suppresses leaf watersoaking phenotypes induced by AvrHah1, a transcription activator‐like effector from tomato‐pathogenic xanthomonads
2022-09-03

Summary The Xanthomonas transcription activator‐like effector (TALE) protein AvrBs3 transcriptionally activates the executor‐type resistance ( R ) gene Bs3 from pepper ( Capsicum annuum ), thereby triggering a hypersensitive cell death reaction (HR). AvrBs3 also triggers an HR in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) upon recognition by the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) R protein Bs4. Whether the executor‐type R protein Bs3 and the NLR‐type R protein Bs4 use common or distinct signalling components to trigger an HR remains unclear. CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis revealed, that the immune signalling node EDS1 is required for Bs4‐ but not for Bs3‐dependent HR, suggesting that NLR‐ and executor‐type R proteins trigger an HR via distinct signalling pathways. CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis also revealed that tomato Bs4 suppresses the virulence function of both TALEs, the HR‐inducing AvrBs3 protein and of AvrHah1, a TALE that does not trigger an HR in tomato. Analysis of AvrBs3‐ and AvrHah1‐induced host transcripts and disease phenotypes in CRISPR/Cas9‐induced bs4 mutant plants indicates that both TALEs target orthologous transcription factor genes to promote disease in tomato and pepper host plants. Our studies display that tomato mutants lacking the TALE‐sensing Bs4 protein provide a novel platform to either uncover TALE‐induced disease phenotypes or genetically dissect components of executor‐triggered HR.
Experience-driven meaning affects lexical choices during language production
2022-09-03

The role of meaning facets based on sensorimotor experiences is well investigated in comprehension but has received little attention in language production research. In two experiments, we investigated whether experiential traces of space influenced lexical choices when participants completed visually presented sentence fragments (e.g., “You are at the sea and you see a . . .”) with spoken nouns (e.g., “dolphin,” “palm tree”). The words were presented consecutively in an ascending or descending direction, starting from the centre of the screen. These physical spatial cues did not influence lexical choices. However, the produced nouns met the spatial characteristics of the broader sentence contexts such that the typical spatial locations of the produced noun referents were predicted by the location of the situations described by the sentence fragments (i.e., upper or lower sphere). By including distributional semantic similarity measures derived from computing cosine values between sentence nouns and produced nouns using a web-based text corpus, we show that the meaning dimension of “location in space” guides lexical selection during speaking. We discuss the relation of this spatial meaning dimension to accounts of experientially grounded and usage-based theories of language processing and their combination in hybrid approaches. In doing so, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the many facets of meaning processing during language production and their impact on the words we select to express verbal messages.
Chemical properties of the central part of the Galactic nuclear stellar disc. Abundances in four classical Cepheids revisited
2022-09-03

ABSTRACT This paper is a revised abundance analysis of four yellow supergiant stars Cepheids which are located in the Galactic nucleus. The results are based on the spectra secured with the help of Subaru telescope, which are of the better quality comparing to previously analysed spectra taken with the Infrared Telescope Facility. A significantly improved method of the effective temperature determination of program stars, which is based on the calibrating relations between the temperature and line depth ratios, was applied. The present results confirmed our previous finding about the solar metallicity level at the Galaxy centre. It is very likely that the four stars of our program were born from an interstellar medium having homogeneous chemical properties, since all the stars are located close to each other, have close pulsation periods, and hence the age. However, one of the stars has a somewhat increased abundance of all studied elements compared to the abundance in the other three stars. A possible reason of this fact is discussed.
Internet searching on the head louse in the UK since the COVID‐19 pandemic
2022-09-03

Abstract Background Wide‐ranging restrictions on social and educational activities were imposed in 2020 in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. These likely influenced the population dynamics of the head louse. Close physical contact between human hosts is required for transmission of this ectoparasite. Method Pre‐ and post‐pandemic internet interest in the head louse in the UK was compared using Google Trends data from March 2017 to March 2022 and modeling using the Meta Prophet package. The influence of school holidays and school attendance was also investigated. Results There was a sharp decline in internet searching of the term “head louse” from March 2020 onwards coinciding with COVID‐19 restrictions, and a large difference between pre‐ and post‐pandemic search volumes. No influence of school holidays or attendance on internet searching on the head louse was found. Conclusion The results suggest pandemic restrictions have had a large effect on head louse incidence.
LRRK2-G2019S Synergizes with Ageing and Low-Grade Inflammation to Promote Gut and Peripheral Immune Cell Activation that Precede Nigrostriatal Degeneration
2022-09-03

Abstract Background Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 ( LRRK2 ) gene are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). The incomplete penetrance of LRRK2 mutations suggest that additional hits are required for disease onset. We hypothesized that chronic low-grade inflammation interacts with LRRK2 G2019S, the most frequent PD-associated mutation, to activate peripheral and central immune reactions and drive age-dependent neurodegeneration. Methods and Results We exposed wild-type and LRRK2 G2019S mice to a low chronic dose of lipopolysaccharide, and we performed a longitudinal analysis of central and peripheral immune reactions and neurodegeneration. Low-dose inflammation triggered nigrostriatal degeneration, macrophage/monocyte brain infiltration, and astro-/microgliosis. LRRK2 G2019S mice showed an early dysregulation of peripheral cytokines, increased CD4 + T-cell infiltration and α-synuclein aggregation in the colon. Interestingly, peripheral immune activation and colonic α-synuclein aggregation precede astro-/microgliosis and neurodegeneration. Conclusions Our study suggests an early role of the peripheral immune system and the gut in LRRK2 PD and provides a novel model to study early therapeutic immune targets and biomarkers.
LRRK2-G2019S SYNERGIZES WITH AGEING AND LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION TO PROMOTE GUT AND PERIPHERAL IMMUNE CELL ACTIVATION THAT PRECEDE NIGROSTRIATAL DEGENERATION
2022-09-03

&lt;p&gt;Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (&lt;em&gt;LRRK2&lt;/em&gt;) gene are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson&#39;s disease (PD). The incomplete penetrance of &lt;em&gt;LRRK2&lt;/em&gt; mutations suggest that additional hits are required for disease onset. We hypothesized that chronic low-grade inflammation interacts with LRRK2 G2019S, a the most frequent PD-associated mutation, to activate peripheral and central immune reactions and drive age-dependent neurodegeneration. We exposed wild-type and LRRK2 G2019S mice to a low chronic dose of lipopolysaccharide and performed a longitudinal analysis of central and peripheral immune reactions and neurodegeneration. Low-dose inflammation triggered nigrostriatal degeneration, peripheral monocyte infiltration, and astro-/microgliosis. LRRK2 G2019S mice showed an early dysregulation of peripheral cytokines as well as increased CD4&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; T-cell infiltration and &alpha;-synuclein aggregation in the colon. Peripheral immune activation and colonic &alpha;-synuclein aggregation preceded brain inflammation and degeneration. Our study suggests an early role of the peripheral immune system and the gut in LRRK2 PD and provides a novel model to study early therapeutic immune targets and biomarkers.&lt;/p&gt;
LRRK2-G2019S SYNERGIZES WITH AGEING AND LOW-GRADE INFLAMMATION TO PROMOTE GUT AND PERIPHERAL IMMUNE CELL ACTIVATION THAT PRECEDE NIGROSTRIATAL DEGENERATION
2022-09-03

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;LRRK2&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;) gene are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson&amp;#39;s disease (PD). The incomplete penetrance of &amp;lt;em&amp;gt;LRRK2&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt; mutations suggest that additional hits are required for disease onset. We hypothesized that chronic low-grade inflammation interacts with LRRK2 G2019S, a the most frequent PD-associated mutation, to activate peripheral and central immune reactions and drive age-dependent neurodegeneration. We exposed wild-type and LRRK2 G2019S mice to a low chronic dose of lipopolysaccharide and performed a longitudinal analysis of central and peripheral immune reactions and neurodegeneration. Low-dose inflammation triggered nigrostriatal degeneration, peripheral monocyte infiltration, and astro-/microgliosis. LRRK2 G2019S mice showed an early dysregulation of peripheral cytokines as well as increased CD4&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;+&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; T-cell infiltration and &amp;alpha;-synuclein aggregation in the colon. Peripheral immune activation and colonic &amp;alpha;-synuclein aggregation preceded brain inflammation and degeneration. Our study suggests an early role of the peripheral immune system and the gut in LRRK2 PD and provides a novel model to study early therapeutic immune targets and biomarkers.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
Neuropathology of the Basal Ganglia in SNCA Transgenic Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease: Involvement of Parvalbuminergic Interneurons and Glial-Derived Neurotropic Factor
2022-09-04

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, encoded by the SNCA gene. The main neuropathological hallmark of PD is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons leading to striatal dopamine depletion. Trophic support by a neurotrophin called glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is also lacking in PD. We performed immunohistochemical studies to investigate neuropathological changes in the basal ganglia of a rat transgenic model of PD overexpressing alfa-synuclein. We observed that neuronal loss also occurs in the dorsolateral part of the striatum in the advanced stages of the disease. Moreover, along with the degeneration of the medium spiny projection neurons, we found a dramatic loss of parvalbumin interneurons. A marked decrease in GDNF, which is produced by parvalbumin interneurons, was observed in the striatum and in the substantia nigra of these animals. This confirmed the involvement of the striatum in the pathophysiology of PD and the importance of GDNF in maintaining the health of the substantia nigra.
New tools for dead roots: Radioisotope labelling and compound‐specific analysis reveal how subsoil hotspots work
2022-09-04

Abstract Subsoils are increasingly studied as they, first, store a great deal of terrestrial carbon (C) and possibly even more, and second, offer resources like water and nutrients to plants, potentially mitigating negative consequences of global change. As subsoil access is often hampered by compacted soil layers, the key to accessing subsoil resources and storing more C below ground might be in biopores. Appropriately nicknamed ‘highways of root growth’, biopores are macropores left behind by dying roots and earthworm activities, often enriched with organic matter (OM) and nutrients. They are thought to be the most abundant microbial hotspots in the subsoil, thus possibly accounting for a large part of C turnover, as well as offering pore wall nutrients to subsequent crops. Understanding the multifunctionality and complexities of biopores remains challenging. This contribution aims to showcase analytical ways to deepen our understanding of origin and functioning of biopores and hotspots. Regarding their biogeochemistry, biopore OM quality and its turnover can be better unravelled through compound‐specific analysis to deduct biopore‐specific OM turnover. Biopores can be reliably differentiated by their OM quality. A more profound understanding of subsoil C turnover in very contrasting hotspots is crucially important for managing subsoil functions. Biopores are often assumed to be beneficial in crop sequences. Roots making use of specific biopores can be, for the first time, quantified after radiotracer application, two‐step phosphor imaging, and image processing. Combining radioactive with stable isotopes as well as plant and microbial biomarkers allows to investigate the relevance of individual pore wall nutrients in plant growth in consideration of physical biopore properties. Biopore‐friendly management practices (e.g., reduced tillage, perennial cover cropping) could be part of smart subsoil management. Faster access to subsoil water and concentrated biopore nutrients may safeguard agricultural production—especially in times of rising fertiliser costs (both monetary and environmental) and more frequent droughts.
Polystyrene Microplastics Modulate the Toxicity of the Hydrophilic Insecticide Thiacloprid for Chironomid Larvae and Also Influence Their Burrowing Behavior
2022-09-04

As there is still little knowledge of interactions between microplastics (MP) and hydrophilic compounds, we propose ways the toxicity of hydrophilic pesticides can be modulated by MP, when sorption can be excluded. Larvae of Chironomus riparius were exposed to thiacloprid (TH, 1 μg/L) and polystyrene microplastic particles (PS; &lt;50 μm; 150,000 and 1,000,000 particles/L) for 96 h, solely or in co-exposure. Burrowing behavior and mortality were observed. Larvae in treatments containing PS established themselves quicker in the sediment and kept the ability to rebury for a longer time compared to control and TH, respectively. While TH elevated the mortality, exposure to PS alone did not affect the survival of the larvae. In co-exposure of TH and PS, a concentration of 150,000 particles/L significantly reduced the toxicity of 1 μg/L TH after 96 h, an effect that was not observed at 1,000,000 particles/L. Therefore, we hypothesize that this modulation of the toxicity of TH eventually may have resulted from a combination of a ‘protective MP layer’ in the gut and a higher retention time of particles in larvae exposed to 150,000 particles/L than in those exposed to 1,000,000 particles/L due to the lower number of ingestible particles in the former.
Understanding insect colour constancy
2022-09-04

Colour constancy is the ability to recognize the colour of objects despite spectral changes in the natural illumination. As such, this phenomenon is important for most organisms with good colour vision, and it has been intensively studied in humans and primates. Colour constancy is also documented for several species of insects, which is not surprising given the ecological importance of colour vision. But how do insects, with their small brains, solve the complex problem of colour vision and colour constancy? In an interspecies approach, this review reports on behavioural studies on colour constancy in bees, butterflies, moths and humans, corresponding computational models and possible neurophysiological correlates. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding colour vision: molecular, physiological, neuronal and behavioural studies in arthropods’.
Deuterium metabolic imaging of the human brain in vivo at 7 T
2022-09-05

Purpose To explore the potential of deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) in the human brain in vivo at 7 T, using a multi‐element deuterium ( 2 H) RF coil for 3D volume coverage. Methods 1 H‐MR images and localized 2 H MR spectra were acquired in vivo in the human brain of 3 healthy subjects to generate DMI maps of 2 H‐labeled water, glucose, and glutamate/glutamine (Glx). In addition, non‐localized 2 H‐MR spectra were acquired both in vivo and in vitro to determine T 1 and T 2 relaxation times of deuterated metabolites at 7 T. The performance of the 2 H coil was assessed through numeric simulations and experimentally acquired B 1 + maps. Results 3D DMI maps covering the entire human brain in vivo were obtained from well‐resolved deuterated ( 2 H) metabolite resonances of water, glucose, and Glx. The T 1 and T 2 relaxation times were consistent with those reported at adjacent field strengths. Experimental B 1 + maps were in good agreement with simulations, indicating efficient and homogeneous B 1 + transmission and low RF power deposition for 2 H, consistent with a similar array coil design reported at 9.4 T. Conclusion Here, we have demonstrated the successful implementation of 3D DMI in the human brain in vivo at 7 T. The spatial and temporal nominal resolutions achieved at 7 T (i.e., 2.7 mL in 28 min, respectively) were close to those achieved at 9.4 T and greatly outperformed DMI at lower magnetic fields. DMI at 7 T and beyond has clear potential in applications dealing with small brain lesions.
Re-emergence of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in 2021 after a 10-year gap in Gabon
2022-09-05

Mosquito-borne viral infections are a major concern in endemic areas, such as Africa. Although outbreaks have been reported throughout Africa, only a few surveillance studies have been conducted in Gabon since the outbreaks of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in 2010. Therefore, the current situation is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the presence of arboviruses, especially DENV (serotypes 1-4), CHIKV, and Zika virus (ZIKV), in Gabon, Central Africa. Between 2020 and 2021, we collected 1060 serum samples from febrile patients and screened them against viruses using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. We detected two DENV serotypes 1 (DENV-1), one CHIKV, and one ZIKV, and subsequently analyzed the genome sequences. To determine the genetic diversity and transmission route of the viruses, phylogenetic analysis was performed using complete or partial genome sequences. The DENV-1 and CHIKV strains detected in this study were closely related to the previous Gabonese strains, whereas the recent ZIKV strain was genetically different from a strain detected in 2007 in Gabon. This study provides new genomic information on DENV-1, CHIKV, and ZIKV that were detected in Gabon and insight into the circulation of the viruses in the country and their introduction from neighboring African countries.
Uptake of aminoglycosides through outer membrane porins in Escherichia coli
2022-09-05

Abstract Aminoglycosides are important clinical antibiotics but their molecular uptake mechanism is still not completely understood. Here we quantify and compare the passive transport of three aminoglycosides (kanamycin, gentamicin, and amikacin) across general or sugar specific porins of Escherichia coli (OmpF, OmpC, LamB and ChiP). Our analysis revealed that permeation of aminoglycosides (Kanamycin/Gentamycin/Amikacin) is about the same through ChiP (≈5/3/2 molecules/s), OmpF (≈10/15/&lt;1 molecules/s) and OmpC (≈11/8/&lt;1 molecules/s). In contrast, LamB of smaller pore diameter has no significant permeation (≤1/1/1 molecules/s, all values recalculated for a gradient of 10 μM). Biological assays confirmed the relevance of these translocations for antibiotic potency.
Living kidney donor evaluation is associated with early identification of life‐changing diagnoses in potentially healthy donor candidates
2022-09-05

Abstract Background In order to ensure eligibility for living kidney donation, donor candidates undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This process might reveal hitherto undetected medical conditions, leading to refusal of the kidney donor candidate. Detection of such conditions may, however, also have a lifesaving effect. We report on 13 years of data from our living donor transplantation program on kidney donor candidates who were diagnosed with major medical conditions during evaluation. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of living kidney donor candidates who attended our transplant center between January, 2007 and December, 2019. The main focus was on newly diagnosed medical conditions that required immediate medical attention and their prognostic significance. Results Of the 436 donor candidates who were evaluated for living kidney donation at our transplant center, 192 (44%) were accepted, while 244 (56%) were excluded from donation. Interestingly, 81 (33.1%) of the ineligible donor candidates were newly diagnosed as having a medical condition that required immediate attention. While 45 (18.5%) candidates were newly diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, 12 (4.9%) candidates had hitherto undetected malignancies, 10 candidates (4.1%) cardiac disease, five (2.0%) hypertension with end‐organ damage, and four (1.6%) suffered from kidney disease. The remaining four candidates (1.6%) were diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases, and one candidate (.4%) had an endocrine disorder. Conclusion A comprehensive evaluation process for living kidney donation facilitates the identification of life‐changing diagnoses in a significant proportion of candidates and secures immediate medical attention.
Comprehensive genetic testing approaches as the basis for personalized management of growth disturbances: current status and perspectives
2022-09-05

The implementation of high-throughput and deep sequencing methods in routine genetic diagnostics has significantly improved the diagnostic yield in patient cohorts with growth disturbances and becomes increasingly important as the prerequisite of personalized medicine. They provide considerable chances to identify even rare and unexpected situations; nevertheless, we must be aware of their limitations. A simple genetic test in the beginning of a testing cascade might also help to identify the genetic cause of specific growth disorders. However, the clinical picture of genetically caused growth disturbance phenotypes can vary widely, and there is a broad clinical overlap between different growth disturbance disorders. As a consequence, the clinical diagnosis and therewith connected the decision on the appropriate genetic test is often a challenge. In fact, the clinician asking for genetic testing has to weigh different aspects in this decision process, including appropriateness (single gene test, stepwise procedure, comprehensive testing), turnaround time as the basis for rapid intervention, and economic considerations. Therefore, a frequent question in that context is ‘what to test when’. In this review, we aim to review genetic testing strategies and their strengths and limitations and to raise awareness for the future implementation of interdisciplinary genome medicine in diagnoses, treatment, and counselling of growth disturbances.