Ythdf2 regulates cardiac remodeling through its mRNA target transcripts.

m6A mRNA methylation controls cardiomyocyte function and increased overall m6A levels are a stereotyping finding in heart failure independent of the underlying etiology. However, it is largely unknown how the information is read by m6A reader proteins in heart failure. Here we show that the m6A reader protein Ythdf2 controls cardiac function and identified a novel mechanism how reader proteins control gene expression and cardiac function. Deletion of Ythdf2 in cardiomyocytes in vivo leads to mild cardiac hypertrophy, reduced heart function, and increased fibrosis during pressure overload as well as during aging. Similarly, in vitro the knockdown of Ythdf2 results in cardiomyocyte growth and remodeling. Mechanistically, we identified the eucaryotic elongation factor 2 as post-transcriptionally regulated by Ythdf2 using cell type specific Ribo-seq data. Our study expands our understanding on the regulatory functions of m6A methylation in cardiomyocytes and how cardiac function is controlled by the m6A reader protein Ythdf2.

Detection of Aeromonas hydrophila possessing aerolysin gene using gold nanoparticle probe.

Objective: The aerolysin (aerA) is a virulence indicator used to identify the pathogenicity of the Aeromonas strain. Targeting a pathogen's crucial virulence gene for detection is essential, as it determines the potential threat to the host. This study aimed to develop a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probe for detecting the gene aerA in Aeromonas hydrophila among field samples. Materials and Methods: Kidney samples among both healthy and sick Nile tilapias in five provinces of Luzon Island were collected for bacterial analysis. Screening using specific primers targeting aerA was conducted in parallel with testing the AuNPs probe on the same sample set. The positive control provided by BFAR-NFLD, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, was used as a positive sample containing the target gene. Results: The AuNP probe demonstrated a computed accuracy of 81.32%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 81.26%. Among the 257 reactions, 59 were false positives, while no false negative results were observed. The AuNP probe could detect aerA at levels as low as 30 ng/µl. The low prevalence of the target gene may be attributed to the use of general media instead of specific media like Rimler-Shotts agar. Conclusion: The established colorimetric detection method for A. hydrophila with the aerA gene offers a swift alternative to PCR, negating the requirement for advanced equipment like a thermal cycler.

[Multiple hyperplastic colon polyps in a cow]. / Multiple hyperplastische Kolonpolypen bei einem Rind.

INTRODUCTION: Reports on bovine colon polyps are rare. The present report demonstrates macro- and microscopically hyperplastic colon polyps of a seven-year-old German Simmental cow. Differential diagnoses (adenoma and adenocarcinoma) and aetiology are discussed. Even in cattle, intestinal polyps should be considered as a cause of intussusception.

INTRODUCTION: Les rapports concernant des polypes du colon chez les bovins sont rares. Le présent rapport fait état de polypes du côlon macro- et microscopiquement hyperplasiques chez une vache Simmental allemande de sept ans. Les diagnostics différentiels (adénome et adénocarcinome) et l'étiologie sont discutés. Même chez les bovins, les polypes intestinaux doivent être considérés comme une cause d'invagination.

Probiotic effect of Bacillus spp. isolated from African nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) on the performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).

This study evaluated the effects of the probiotic Bacillus spp. isolated from African nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) on the growth and survival performances of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 400 Nile tilapia fingerlings (1.76 ± 0.07 g) were equally and randomly distributed into 20 glass aquaria and divided into five experimental groups with four replicates. Each experimental group was fed with a commercial diet (control) supplemented (at 108 CFU·g-1) with one of the four Bacillus spp. (ANSCI9, BFAR9, RM3, and RM10) at five percent of their body weight. After 30 days of feeding, the surviving fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila to observe their survival. The treatment groups supplemented with BFAR9 (2.73 ± 0.26 g) and RM10 (3.15 ± 0.30 g) showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) absolute growth than the control (2.20 ± 0.16 g) group. Furthermore, those given with RM10 had better (P < 0.05) specific growth rate (SGR) (1.60 ± 0.10%·day-1) relative growth rate (RGR) (181.39 ± 18.16%) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.99 ± 0.13) compared to the control group (SGR = 1.29 ± 0.07%·day-1; RGR = 129.84 ± 9.77%; FCR = 2.60 ± 0.16). The challenge test revealed that all Bacillus spp.-treated groups showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) survival rates (ANSCI9 = 82.5 ± 8.16%; BFAR9 = 80.0 ± 10.00%; RM3 = 77.5 ± 20.82%; RM10 = 85.0 ± 10.00%) than the control group (55.00 ± 19.15%), with the highest relative level of protection recorded for RM10 (66.67%). These results revealed that the probiotic Bacillus spp. isolated from E. eugeniae improved the growth, feed utilization, waste excretion, and the disease resistance of Nile tilapia.

Effect of feeding histidine and ß-alanine on carnosine concentration, growth performance, and meat quality of broiler chickens.

The high growth rates of modern broiler breeds increased the risk for novel breast muscle myopathies as serious quality issue, relevant for the industry. In affected muscles, a depletion of the dipeptides carnosine and anserine was reported. Therefore, this study was performed to test whether a supplementation of the precursors histidine and ß-alanine, alone or in combination can increase the dipeptide content in the breast muscle and improve meat quality. Ross 308 broiler chickens were supplemented with 3 different histidine:lysine ratios (0.44, 0.54, 0.64) of standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SID) combined with 0 or 0.5% ß-alanine in total. The birds' performance was recorded at different ages: birds were slaughtered in 2 batches after 33 and 53 d of life. Meat quality was tested at different time points after slaughter on breast fillets stored aerobically. The concentration of the dipeptides and amino acids in blood plasma and muscle tissue was tested postmortem at 35 and 54 d. All performance and meat quality data, as well as peptide and amino acid concentrations, of the 2 × 2 × 3 randomized block design were analyzed separately for the influence of both supplements and for slaughter age. Moreover, the influence of storage time was analyzed separately for meat quality parameters. At both slaughter ages, lesser feed intake (P ≤ 0.005) and breast yield (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in the birds receiving ß-alanine. A greater SID histidine:lysine ratio increased the carnosine concentrations in blood plasma (P < 0.001) and in skeletal muscle (P < 0.001), whereas ß-alanine increased carnosine in plasma at 35 d only (P = 0.004). Anserine was increased in plasma and muscle of older birds (P = 0.003), whereas carnosine was reduced in muscle tissue (P < 0.001). The main impact on meat quality parameters was seen for the age of the birds and storage time of the fillets. In conclusion, the supplementation of histidine increased carnosine in breast muscle but both supplements showed only minor effects on meat quality.

Serial femtosecond and serial synchrotron crystallography can yield data of equivalent quality: A systematic comparison.

For the two proteins myoglobin and fluoroacetate dehalogenase, we present a systematic comparison of crystallographic diffraction data collected by serial femtosecond (SFX) and serial synchrotron crystallography (SSX). To maximize comparability, we used the same batch of micron-sized crystals, the same sample delivery device, and the same data analysis software. Overall figures of merit indicate that the data of both radiation sources are of equivalent quality. For both proteins, reasonable data statistics can be obtained with approximately 5000 room-temperature diffraction images irrespective of the radiation source. The direct comparability of SSX and SFX data indicates that the quality of diffraction data obtained from these samples is linked to the properties of the crystals rather than to the radiation source. Therefore, for other systems with similar properties, time-resolved experiments can be conducted at the radiation source that best matches the desired time resolution.

Anisakis spp. in fishery products from Japanese waters: Updated insights on host prevalence and human infection risk factors.

The nematodes of the genus Anisakis are among the most relevant parasitic hazards in fishery products since they are responsible for human infection and allergy cases. In a food safety and epidemiological perspective, several marine hosts from different locations around Japan were examined to characterize the parasitism of Anisakis larvae. Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) showed the highest overall prevalence (100%), followed by blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) (97.5%), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) (80%), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) (60.1%), Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) (17%) and Japanese pilchard (Sardinops sagax melanostictus) (2%). In Pacific krill (Euphausia pacifica), apart from one Hysterothylacium aduncum larva, no Anisakis specimens were detected. Anisakis simplex sensu stricto was molecularly identified (PCR-RFLP) for the first time in Japanese flying squid and Japanese pilchard distributed in the Northwestern Pacific ocean. That was the most frequent parasitic species detected followed by A. pegreffii, mostly in the western areas of Japan, hybrid genotypes between the two sibling species as well as A. typica and A. berlandi. Surprisingly, A. simplex s.s. was the most abundant species in one batch of chub mackerel from the East China Sea and A. pegreffii was the main species found in one batch from the Pacific coast of Aomori, which seems to indicate that the ranges of these two sibling species might be more variable than previously thought.

Selection and screening of bacteria from African nightcrawler, Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg, 1867) as potential probiotics in aquaculture.

Earthworms are used as an alternative protein source in aquaculture. These organisms serve as an ideal and favorable site for bacterial growth and activity. Hence, in our present study, we isolated and screened potential probiotic bacteria from African nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae). Among 45 bacterial isolates, four (ANSCI9, BFAR9, RM3, and RM10) were selected based on their hydrophobicity, hydrolytic enzyme production, pH and fish bile tolerance, aggregation, and antimicrobial properties. The selected isolates showed good hydrophobicity (≥ 30%) and enzyme production (≥ 10 mm clearing zones), tolerance to pH and fish bile, and inhibitory properties against pathogenic microorganisms. The isolates were identified as Bacillus sp. RM3 (MH919306), Bacillus sp. RM10 (MH919308), Bacillus sp. ANSCI9 (MH919310) and Bacillus sp. BFAR9 (MH919302). These isolates were individually incorporated in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings for 14 days to assess their biosafety. The results showed that the survival rates in all treated groups (98.75 ± 2.5 to 100.00 ± 0.0%) were not significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control group (commercial diet) (96.25 ± 2.5%), suggesting that isolates have no adverse effect on the host. This study revealed the presence of potential probiotic microorganisms in E. eugeniae that are beneficial to the aquaculture industry.

Secure quantum remote state preparation of squeezed microwave states.

Quantum communication protocols based on nonclassical correlations can be more efficient than known classical methods and offer intrinsic security over direct state transfer. In particular, remote state preparation aims at the creation of a desired and known quantum state at a remote location using classical communication and quantum entanglement. We present an experimental realization of deterministic continuous-variable remote state preparation in the microwave regime over a distance of 35 cm. By employing propagating two-mode squeezed microwave states and feedforward, we achieve the remote preparation of squeezed states with up to 1.6 dB of squeezing below the vacuum level. Finally, security of remote state preparation is investigated by using the concept of the one-time pad and measuring the von Neumann entropies. We find nearly identical values for the entropy of the remotely prepared state and the respective conditional entropy given the classically communicated information and, thus, demonstrate close-to-perfect security.

Antibody-nucleotide conjugate as a substrate for DNA polymerases.

Here we report on the development of an antibody-modified nucleotide and its sequence-selective incorporation into nascent DNA catalysed by DNA polymerases. Although the modification of the nucleotide is several orders of magnitude larger than the natural dNTP substrate and even exceeds the size of the DNA polymerase, it is well accepted by the enzyme. Moreover, the recognition of the antibody is not abolished by the conjugation but can be recognized by a secondary antibody that is conjugated to a signal-generating enzyme (i.e., horse radish peroxidase). This product can thus be exploited for a colorimetric read-out of nucleotide incorporation by the naked eye that allows detection of DNA as low as 10 amol. In future, assays like the one described herein might allow nucleic acid diagnostics at single nucleotide resolution without any laboratory equipment.

Parity-Engineered Light-Matter Interaction.

The concept of parity describes the inversion symmetry of a system and is of fundamental relevance in the standard model, quantum information processing, and field theory. In quantum electrodynamics, parity is conserved and large field gradients are required to engineer the parity of the light-matter interaction operator. In this work, we engineer a potassiumlike artificial atom represented by a specifically designed superconducting flux qubit. We control the wave function parity of the artificial atom with an effective orbital momentum provided by a resonator. By irradiating the artificial atom with spatially shaped microwave fields, we select the interaction parity in situ. In this way, we observe dipole and quadrupole selection rules for single state transitions and induce transparency via longitudinal coupling. Our work advances the design of tunable artificial multilevel atoms to a new level, which is particularly promising with respect to quantum chemistry simulations with near-term superconducting circuits.

[Ectopic thymic tissue and ectopic thymic tumors]. / Ektopien des Thymus und ektope Thymustumoren.

Ectopic thymic tissue outside its core position in the antero-superior mediastinum is quite common owing to the complexity of embryonal thymus development, whereby reported prevalence values (1 to 90%) are heavily dependent on the method of investigation and the intensity of the workup. The debated prevalence and relevance of ectopic thymic tissue and its accessibility underlie the ongoing discussion whether modern, minimally invasive thymectomy strategies can match the proven benefit of the radical transsternal thymectomy procedure for the treatment of Myasthenia gravis. In this context, the following article covers the etiology, prevalence, and location of normal-looking, reactive, and neoplastic ectopic thymic tissue. Furthermore, ectopic tissues and tumors inside or adjacent to the thymus are mentioned.

Finite-time quantum entanglement in propagating squeezed microwaves.

Two-mode squeezing is a fascinating example of quantum entanglement manifested in cross-correlations of non-commuting observables between two subsystems. At the same time, these subsystems themselves may contain no quantum signatures in their self-correlations. These properties make two-mode squeezed (TMS) states an ideal resource for applications in quantum communication. Here, we generate propagating microwave TMS states by a beam splitter distributing single mode squeezing emitted from distinct Josephson parametric amplifiers along two output paths. We experimentally study the fundamental dephasing process of quantum cross-correlations in continuous-variable propagating TMS microwave states and accurately describe it with a theory model. In this way, we gain the insight into finite-time entanglement limits and predict high fidelities for benchmark quantum communication protocols such as remote state preparation and quantum teleportation.

[Severe thoracic bleeding - 25 years after nephrectomy]. / Massive thorakale Blutung ­ 25 Jahre nach Nephrektomie.

We report a case of a 62 year old patient, who was hospitalised due to haemorrhagic shock. The cause was a rupture of the pulmonary artery due to metastasis of a renal cell carcinoma. This cause is now reported for the first time. The primary tumour (pT2,pN0,M0,R0) was resected 25 years ago. This case demonstrates that after curative nephrectomy pulmonary metastasis can occur, even after decades. This is why patients of this type need lifelong follow-up.

Time zero determination for FEL pump-probe studies based on ultrafast melting of bismuth.

A common challenge for pump-probe studies of structural dynamics at X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) is the determination of time zero (T0)-the time an optical pulse (e.g., an optical laser) arrives coincidently with the probe pulse (e.g., a XFEL pulse) at the sample position. In some cases, T0 might be extracted from the structural dynamics of the sample's observed response itself, but generally, an independent robust method is required or would be superior to the inferred determination of T0. In this paper, we present how the structural dynamics in ultrafast melting of bismuth can be exploited for a quickly performed, reliable and accurate determination of T0 with a precision below 20 fs and an overall experimental accuracy of 50 fs to 150 fs (estimated). Our approach is potentially useful and applicable for fixed-target XFEL experiments, such as serial femtosecond crystallography, utilizing an optical pump pulse in the ultraviolet to near infrared spectral range and a pixelated 2D photon detector for recording crystallographic diffraction patterns in transmission geometry. In comparison to many other suitable approaches, our method is fairly independent of the pumping wavelength (UV-IR) as well as of the X-ray energy and offers a favorable signal contrast. The technique is exploitable not only for the determination of temporal characteristics of the experiment at the interaction point but also for investigating important conditions affecting experimental control such as spatial overlap and beam spot sizes.

Structural basis for the selective incorporation of an artificial nucleotide opposite a DNA adduct by a DNA polymerase.

The possibility to sequence cytotoxic O6-alkylG DNA adducts would greatly benefit research. Recently we reported a benzimidazole-derived nucleotide that is selectively incorporated opposite the damaged site by a mutated DNA polymerase. Here we provide the structural basis for this reaction which may spur future developments in DNA damage sequencing.

Acid rain footprint three decades after peak deposition: Long-term recovery from pollutant sulphate in the Uhlirska catchment (Czech Republic).

The granitic Uhlirska headwater catchment with a size of 1.78km2 is located in the Jizera Mountains in the northern Czech Republic and received among the highest inputs of anthropogenic acid depositions in Europe. An analysis of sulphate (SO42-) distribution in deposition, soil water, stream water and groundwater compartments allowed to establish a SO42- mass-balance (deposition input minus surface water export) and helped to evaluate which changes occurred since the last evaluation of the catchment in 1997. The determined SO42- concentrations decreased in the following order: wetland groundwater>groundwater from 20m below ground level (bgl)>groundwater from 30m bgl>stream water>groundwater from10m bgl>hillslope soil water>wetland soil water>bulk deposition with median values of 0.24, 0.21, 0.17, 0.15, 0.11, 0.07, 0.03 and 0.01mmolL-1, respectively. Our results show that average deposition reductions of 62% did not result in equal changes of the sulphate mass-balance, which changed by only 47%. This difference occurs because sulphate originates from internal sources such as the groundwater and soil water. The Uhlirska catchment is subject to delayed recovery from anthropogenic acid depositions and remains a net source of stored sulphur even after three decades of declining inputs. The wetland groundwater and soil water provide environmental memories of legacy pollutant sulphate. Elevated stream water sulphate concentrations after the unusually dry summer 2015 imply importance of weather and climate patterns for future recovery from acidification.

[True thymic hyperplasia : Differential diagnosis of thymic mass lesions in neonates and children]. / "Echte Thymushyperplasie" : Differenzialdiagnose der Thymusvergrößerung bei Säuglingen und Kindern.

Reactive and neoplastic thymic pathologies are the main considerations in the case of masses in the anterior and middle part of the mediastinum, while neurogenic tumors are predominant in the posterior mediastinum (which are not dealt with here). In neonates and infants, the commonest pathologies in the anterior mediastinum comprise germ cell tumors (mainly teratomas), congenital thymic cysts and true thymic hyperplasia (TTH). In toddlers, teratomas, yolk sac tumors and cysts predominate. In children over 5 years of age, lymphomas are the commonest mass lesions whereas thymomas and thymic carcinomas are rare. In addition, inflammation-linked hyperplasia in myasthenia gravis and rebound thymic hyperplasia after chemotherapy must be considered. Although rare at all ages, sarcomas must be considered in the differential diagnosis from birth onwards and throughout adolescence. Based on the report of a rare case of recurrent TTH, the differential diagnosis of this benign but potentially life-threatening condition is discussed.

Fatal proteinuric kidney disease in a 30-month-old German Fleckvieh heifer caused by unilateral focal segmental glomerulosclerosis subsequent to a non-functional counterpart kidney.

INTRODUCTION: A case of secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in a heifer is presented. A 30-month-old female German Fleckvieh heifer showed deterioration of the general condition, a poor nutritional status, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and renal azotemia. Pathologically, it was diagnosed with unilateral hydronephrosis, and contralateral renal fibrosis with numerous cysts. Histologically, the fibrotic kidney showed FSGS, hyaline reabsorption droplets in proximal tubular epithelial cells, interstitial fibrosis, and tubulointerstitial inflammation. Apart from that, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was seen in few renal arteries and meningeal arterioles. Pathogenesis of FSGS secondary to unilateral renal parenchymal loss (hydronephrosis) and TMA is discussed.

Photon Statistics of Propagating Thermal Microwaves.

In experiments with superconducting quantum circuits, characterizing the photon statistics of propagating microwave fields is a fundamental task. We quantify the n^{2}+n photon number variance of thermal microwave photons emitted from a blackbody radiator for mean photon numbers, 0.05≲n≲1.5. We probe the fields using either correlation measurements or a transmon qubit coupled to a microwave resonator. Our experiments provide a precise quantitative characterization of weak microwave states and information on the noise emitted by a Josephson parametric amplifier.