Lysine acetylation regulates moonlighting activity of the E2 subunit of the chloroplast pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in Chlamydomonas

The dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase subunit DLA2 of the chloroplast pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (cpPDC) in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has previously been shown to possess moonlighting activity in chloroplast gene expression. Under mixotrophic growth conditions, DLA2 forms part of a ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) with the psbA mRNA that encodes the D1 protein of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. Here, we report on the characterization of the molecular switch that regulates shuttling of DLA2 between its functions in carbon metabolism and D1 synthesis. Determination of RNA‐binding affinities by microscale thermophoresis demonstrated that the E3‐binding domain (E3BD) of DLA2 mediates psbA‐specific RNA recognition. Analyses of cpPDC formation and activity, as well as RNP complex formation, showed that acetylation of a single lysine residue (K197) in E3BD induces the release of DLA2 from the cpPDC, and its functional shift towards RNA binding. Moreover, Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy revealed that psbA mRNA/DLA2 complexes localize around the chloroplast's pyrenoid. Pulse labeling and D1 re‐accumulation after induced PSII degradation strongly suggest that DLA2 is important for D1 synthesis during de novo PSII biogenesis.Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659Peer Reviewe

Measuring autism-associated traits in the general population: Factor structure and measurement invariance across sex and diagnosis status of the Social Communication Questionnaire.

Using questionnaires in research relies on the expectation that they measure the same things across different groups of individuals. If this is not true, then interpretations of results can be misleading when researchers compare responses across different groups of individuals or use in it a group that differs from that in which the questionnaire was developed. For the questionnaire we investigated, the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), we found that parents of boys and girls responded to questionnaire items in largely the same way but that the SCQ measured traits and behaviors slightly differently depending on whether the children had autism. Based on these results, we concluded that researchers using this questionnaire should carefully consider these differences when deciding how to interpret findings. SCQ scores as a reflection of autism-associated traits in samples that are mostly or entirely made up of individuals without an autism diagnosis may be misleading and we encourage a more precise interpretation of scores as a broader indication of social-communicative and behavioral traits

Right‐ventricular dysfunction in HFpEF is linked to altered cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis and myofilament sensitivity

Aim Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is frequently (30%) associated with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, which increases morbidity and mortality in these patients. Yet cellular mechanisms of RV remodelling and RV dysfunction in HFpEF are not well understood. Here, we evaluated RV cardiomyocyte function in a rat model of metabolically induced HFpEF. Methods: and results Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction-prone animals (ZSF-1 obese) and control rats (Wistar Kyoto) were fed a high-caloric diet for 13 weeks. Haemodynamic characterization by echocardiography and invasive catheterization was performed at 22 and 23 weeks of age, respectively. After sacrifice, organ morphometry, RV histology, isolated RV cardiomyocyte function, and calcium (Ca2+) transients were assessed. ZSF-1 obese rats showed a HFpEF phenotype with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, LV diastolic dysfunction (including increased LV end-diastolic pressures and E/e ' ratio), and preserved LV ejection fraction. ZSF-1 obese animals developed RV dilatation (50% increased end-diastolic area) and mildly impaired RV ejection fraction (42%) with evidence of RV hypertrophy. In isolated RV cardiomyocytes from ZSF-1 obese rats, cell shortening amplitude was preserved, but cytosolic Ca2+ transient amplitude was reduced. In addition, augmentation of cytosolic Ca2+ release with increased stimulation frequency was lost in ZSF-1 obese rats. Myofilament sensitivity was increased, while contractile kinetics were largely unaffected in intact isolated RV cardiomyocytes from ZSF-1 obese rats. Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased phosphorylation of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (Ser282 cMyBP-C) but no change in phosphorylation of troponin I (Ser23, 24 TnI) in RV myocardium from ZSF-1 obese rats. Conclusions: Right ventricular dysfunction in obese ZSF-1 rats with HFpEF is associated with intrinsic RV cardiomyocyte remodelling including reduced cytosolic Ca2+ amplitudes, loss of frequency-dependent augmentation of Ca2+ release, and increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity

Reduced ectoparasite load, body mass and blood haemolysis in Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) along an urban-rural gradient

Urbanisation is proceeding at an alarming rate which forces wildlife to either retreat from urban areas or cope with novel stressors linked to human presence and activities. For example, urban stressors like anthropogenic noise, artificial light at night and chemical pollution can have severe impacts on the physiology of wildlife (and humans), in particular the immune system and antioxidant defences. These physiological systems are important to combat and reduce the severity of parasitic infections, which are common among wild animals. One question that then arises is whether urban-dwelling animals, whose immune and antioxidant system are already challenged by the urban stressors, are more susceptible to parasitic infections. To assess this, we studied nestlings of Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Vienna, Austria, during 2015 and 2017. We measured biomarkers of innate immune function, oxidative stress and body mass index and ectoparasite infection intensity in 143 nestlings (from 56 nests) along an urban gradient. Nestlings in more urbanised areas had overall fewer ectoparasites, lower haemolysis (complement activity) and lower body mass index compared to nestlings in less urbanised areas. None of the other immune or oxidative stress markers were associated with the urban gradient. Despite some non-significant results, our data still suggest that kestrel nestlings experience some level of reduced physiological health, perhaps as a consequence of exposure to more urban stressors or altered prey availability in inner-city districts even though they had an overall lower ectoparasite burden in these heavily urbanised areas.</p

Desire for biological parenthood and patient counseling on the risk of infertility among adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies.

BACKGROUND Both diagnosis and treatment of hemoglobinopathies have been associated with an increased risk of fertility impairment. German guidelines recommend annual monitoring of fertility parameters to enable early detection of fertility impairment and/or to offer fertility preservation (FP) when indicated. We explored the general desire for parenthood, the frequency of recalling fertility counseling and testing, and the utilization of FP in adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies. PROCEDURE In a cross-sectional study, patients aged 12-50 years, treated in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, were surveyed on fertility-related aspects. Medical data, including fertility testing results, were collected from patient records. RESULTS Overall, 116/121 eligible patients, diagnosed with sickle cell disease (70.7%), thalassemia (27.6%), or other hemoglobinopathy (1.7%), participated in our study (57.8% female, median age 17.0 years, range 12-50 years). All participants required treatment of the underlying hemoglobinopathy: 68.1% received hydroxyurea, 25.9% required regular blood transfusions, and 6.0% underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most patients (82/108, 75.9%) stated a considerable to strong desire for (future) parenthood, independent of sex, education, diagnosis, or subjective health status. Fertility counseling was only recalled by 32/111 patients (28.8%) and least frequently by younger patients (12-16 years) or those treated with regular blood transfusions or hydroxyurea. While fertility testing was documented for 59.5% (69/116) in medical records, only 11.6% (13/112) recalled previous assessments. FP was only used by 5.4% (6/111) of patients. CONCLUSION Most patients with hemoglobinopathies wish to have biological children, yet only few recalled fertility counseling and testing. Adequate patient counseling should be offered to all patients at risk for infertility

Biological Earth observation with animal sensors

Space-based tracking technology using low-cost miniature tags is now delivering data on fine-scale animal movement at near-global scale. Linked with remotely sensed environmental data, this offers a biological lens on habitat integrity and connectivity for conservation and human health; a global network of animal sentinels of environmen-tal change

Neonatal red blood cell transfusion practices in Switzerland:national survey and review of international recommendations

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? Red blood cell transfusions are frequently used in the care of newborns, particularly premature infants. Some countries have guidelines regarding preparation, indication and administration of red blood cells in newborns. There are no such guidelines in Switzerland. WHAT DOES THE CURRENT STUDY ADD? This study analysed the results of two national surveys, one among blood transfusion services and the other among neonatal units in Switzerland. The results demonstrate considerable heterogeneity and a lack of “unité de doctrine”. Establishment of national guidelines would be helpful and warranted. AIMS OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to analyse Swiss practices in blood transfusion services and neonatal units for the preparation and administration of red blood cells in newborns. METHODS Two questionnaires were developed and their results analysed. A first questionnaire was developed for the Swiss blood transfusion services and local hospital haematology laboratories, and a second for the neonatal units in Switzerland. RESULTS 18/25 (72%) of laboratories and 26/29 (90%) of neonatal units performing red blood cell transfusions participated. Responses revealed a lack of consensus for the majority of questions. Differences were found in all steps of the process, from preparation (testing, irradiation, splitting, shelf life and storage of blood bags) to indication and administration (volume, speed, vascular access, patient monitoring) of red blood cells. Forty-six percent of neonatal units stated that they apply internal guidelines. Nevertheless, all but two would welcome the establishment of national recommendations. CONCLUSION This study confirmed the large variety in neonatal red blood cell transfusion practices in Switzerland. In the absence of clear evidence, national guidelines – as applied in other countries – would foster a common policy among Swiss neonatologists and facilitate the implementation of a national database for future research and comparison with international literature

Research on the influence of the metal working of the band edge on the process of linear flow splitting

Sheet metal is available in a wide range of properties and material composition. There are standardized quality characteristics for mechanical and geometrical properties in the plane of the sheet. However, the band edges are influenced by the correspondent metal working process and the properties may vary or be unknown. The forming zone of the manufacturing process linear flow splitting is located at the band edge. Thus, the knowledge of probable influences of metal working induced band edge properties on the process of linear flow splitting is essential and this knowledge will be presented in the following article

Reduced ectoparasite load, body mass and blood haemolysis in Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) along an urban–rural gradient

Urbanisation is proceeding at an alarming rate which forces wildlife to either retreat from urban areas or cope with novel stressors linked to human presence and activities. For example, urban stressors like anthropogenic noise, artificial light at night and chemical pollution can have severe impacts on the physiology of wildlife (and humans), in particular the immune system and antioxidant defences. These physiological systems are important to combat and reduce the severity of parasitic infections, which are common among wild animals. One question that then arises is whether urban-dwelling animals, whose immune and antioxidant system are already challenged by the urban stressors, are more susceptible to parasitic infections. To assess this, we studied nestlings of Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Vienna, Austria, during 2015 and 2017. We measured biomarkers of innate immune function, oxidative stress and body mass index and ectoparasite infection intensity in 143 nestlings (from 56 nests) along an urban gradient. Nestlings in more urbanised areas had overall fewer ectoparasites, lower haemolysis (complement activity) and lower body mass index compared to nestlings in less urbanised areas. None of the other immune or oxidative stress markers were associated with the urban gradient. Despite some non-significant results, our data still suggest that kestrel nestlings experience some level of reduced physiological health, perhaps as a consequence of exposure to more urban stressors or altered prey availability in inner-city districts even though they had an overall lower ectoparasite burden in these heavily urbanised areas