Showing papers by "Wageningen University and Research Centre published in 2021"
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TL;DR: antiSMASH as mentioned in this paper is the most widely used tool for detecting and characterising biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in bacteria and fungi, and it is updated version 6 of antiSMASH.
Abstract: Many microorganisms produce natural products that form the basis of antimicrobials, antivirals, and other drugs. Genome mining is routinely used to complement screening-based workflows to discover novel natural products. Since 2011, the "antibiotics and secondary metabolite analysis shell-antiSMASH" (https://antismash.secondarymetabolites.org/) has supported researchers in their microbial genome mining tasks, both as a free-to-use web server and as a standalone tool under an OSI-approved open-source license. It is currently the most widely used tool for detecting and characterising biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in bacteria and fungi. Here, we present the updated version 6 of antiSMASH. antiSMASH 6 increases the number of supported cluster types from 58 to 71, displays the modular structure of multi-modular BGCs, adds a new BGC comparison algorithm, allows for the integration of results from other prediction tools, and more effectively detects tailoring enzymes in RiPP clusters.
997 citations
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Stanford University1, University of Idaho2, Wageningen University and Research Centre3, Shanghai Jiao Tong University4, Harvard University5, Conservation International6, University of Stirling7, Oregon State University8, University of Connecticut9, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences10, Stockholm Resilience Centre11
TL;DR: A review of the development of aquaculture from 1997 to 2017 can be found in this article, where the authors highlight the integration of aqua-culture in the global food system and the potential for molluscs and seaweed to support global nutritional security.
Abstract: The sustainability of aquaculture has been debated intensely since 2000, when a review on the net contribution of aquaculture to world fish supplies was published in Nature. This paper reviews the developments in global aquaculture from 1997 to 2017, incorporating all industry sub-sectors and highlighting the integration of aquaculture in the global food system. Inland aquaculture—especially in Asia—has contributed the most to global production volumes and food security. Major gains have also occurred in aquaculture feed efficiency and fish nutrition, lowering the fish-in–fish-out ratio for all fed species, although the dependence on marine ingredients persists and reliance on terrestrial ingredients has increased. The culture of both molluscs and seaweed is increasingly recognized for its ecosystem services; however, the quantification, valuation, and market development of these services remain rare. The potential for molluscs and seaweed to support global nutritional security is underexploited. Management of pathogens, parasites, and pests remains a sustainability challenge industry-wide, and the effects of climate change on aquaculture remain uncertain and difficult to validate. Pressure on the aquaculture industry to embrace comprehensive sustainability measures during this 20-year period have improved the governance, technology, siting, and management in many cases. The volume of global aquaculture production has tripled since 2000 with positive trends in environmental performance, but the sector faces mounting challenges including pathogen management, pollution, climate change, and increasing dependence on land-based resource systems.
618 citations
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Innovations for Poverty Action1, Wageningen University and Research Centre2, Columbia University3, National Research University – Higher School of Economics4, Yale University5, University of Lagos6, Universidade Nova de Lisboa7, Institute for Fiscal Studies8, Lahore University of Management Sciences9, University of St Andrews10, Stockholm School of Economics11, Ghent University12, Alternatives13, Trinity College, Dublin14, University of Sierra Leone15, Kathmandu16, Cornell University17, University of Illinois at Chicago18, New York University Abu Dhabi19, Princeton University20, Stockholm University21, Tufts University22, University of Michigan23, Northwestern University24, London School of Economics and Political Science25
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across 15 survey samples covering 10 low and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia, Africa and South America, Russia (an upper-middle-income country) and the United States, including a total of 44,260 individuals.
Abstract: Widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines is crucial for achieving sufficient immunization coverage to end the global pandemic, yet few studies have investigated COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in lower-income countries, where large-scale vaccination is just beginning. We analyze COVID-19 vaccine acceptance across 15 survey samples covering 10 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia, Africa and South America, Russia (an upper-middle-income country) and the United States, including a total of 44,260 individuals. We find considerably higher willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine in our LMIC samples (mean 80.3%; median 78%; range 30.1 percentage points) compared with the United States (mean 64.6%) and Russia (mean 30.4%). Vaccine acceptance in LMICs is primarily explained by an interest in personal protection against COVID-19, while concern about side effects is the most common reason for hesitancy. Health workers are the most trusted sources of guidance about COVID-19 vaccines. Evidence from this sample of LMICs suggests that prioritizing vaccine distribution to the Global South should yield high returns in advancing global immunization coverage. Vaccination campaigns should focus on translating the high levels of stated acceptance into actual uptake. Messages highlighting vaccine efficacy and safety, delivered by healthcare workers, could be effective for addressing any remaining hesitancy in the analyzed LMICs.
536 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors estimate that more than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global annual emissions, which range between 0.8 million and 2.7 million metric tons per year, with small urban rivers among the most polluting.
Abstract: Plastic waste increasingly accumulates in the marine environment, but data on the distribution and quantification of riverine sources required for development of effective mitigation are limited. Our model approach includes geographically distributed data on plastic waste, land use, wind, precipitation, and rivers and calculates the probability for plastic waste to reach a river and subsequently the ocean. This probabilistic approach highlights regions that are likely to emit plastic into the ocean. We calibrated our model using recent field observations and show that emissions are distributed over more rivers than previously thought by up to two orders of magnitude. We estimate that more than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global annual emissions, which range between 0.8 million and 2.7 million metric tons per year, with small urban rivers among the most polluting. These high-resolution data allow for the focused development of mitigation strategies and technologies to reduce riverine plastic emissions.
282 citations
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World Resources Institute1, Boston University2, Wageningen University and Research Centre3, Montana State University4, Goddard Space Flight Center5, University of Maryland, College Park6, Center for International Forestry Research7, California Institute of Technology8, University of California, Los Angeles9, University of Arkansas10
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors integrated ground and Earth observation data to map annual forest-related greenhouse gas emissions and removals globally at a spatial resolution of 30'm over the years 2001-2019.
Abstract: Managing forests for climate change mitigation requires action by diverse stakeholders undertaking different activities with overlapping objectives and spatial impacts. To date, several forest carbon monitoring systems have been developed for different regions using various data, methods and assumptions, making it difficult to evaluate mitigation performance consistently across scales. Here, we integrate ground and Earth observation data to map annual forest-related greenhouse gas emissions and removals globally at a spatial resolution of 30 m over the years 2001–2019. We estimate that global forests were a net carbon sink of −7.6 ± 49 GtCO2e yr−1, reflecting a balance between gross carbon removals (−15.6 ± 49 GtCO2e yr−1) and gross emissions from deforestation and other disturbances (8.1 ± 2.5 GtCO2e yr−1). The geospatial monitoring framework introduced here supports climate policy development by promoting alignment and transparency in setting priorities and tracking collective progress towards forest-specific climate mitigation goals with both local detail and global consistency.
275 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the dynamics of global land use change at an unprecedented spatial resolution by combining multiple open data streams (remote sensing, reconstructions and statistics) to create the HIstoric Land Dynamics Assessment (HILDA+).
Abstract: Quantifying the dynamics of land use change is critical in tackling global societal challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Here we analyse the dynamics of global land use change at an unprecedented spatial resolution by combining multiple open data streams (remote sensing, reconstructions and statistics) to create the HIstoric Land Dynamics Assessment + (HILDA +). We estimate that land use change has affected almost a third (32%) of the global land area in just six decades (1960-2019) and, thus, is around four times greater in extent than previously estimated from long-term land change assessments. We also identify geographically diverging land use change processes, with afforestation and cropland abandonment in the Global North and deforestation and agricultural expansion in the South. Here, we show that observed phases of accelerating (~1960–2005) and decelerating (2006–2019) land use change can be explained by the effects of global trade on agricultural production. Quantifying land use change is critical in tackling global challenges related to food, climate and biodiversity. Here the authors show that land use change has affected 32 % of the global land area in six decades (1960- 2019) by combining multiple open datasets to create the HIstoric Land Dynamics Assessment +.
263 citations
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TL;DR: A review of current understanding of how SCFAs impact on human and animal physiology and discuss the potential applications of SCFs in the prevention and treatment of human diseases can be found in this paper.
259 citations
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Max Planck Society1, Weizmann Institute of Science2, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev3, Stanford University4, Leibniz Association5, University of Jena6, University of Tübingen7, Royal Holloway, University of London8, Wageningen University and Research Centre9, University of Groningen10, Hainan University11, Chalmers University of Technology12, Chiba University13, ETH Zurich14, Cornell University15, Scripps Research Institute16, University of Missouri17, Fudan University18, Nara Institute of Science and Technology19, Nanyang Technological University20, Huazhong Agricultural University21, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics22
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present guidelines covering sample preparation, replication and randomization, quantification, recovery and recombination, ion suppression and peak misidentification, as a means to enable high-quality reporting of liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-derived data.
Abstract: Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches can enable detection and quantification of many thousands of metabolite features simultaneously. However, compound identification and reliable quantification are greatly complicated owing to the chemical complexity and dynamic range of the metabolome. Simultaneous quantification of many metabolites within complex mixtures can additionally be complicated by ion suppression, fragmentation and the presence of isomers. Here we present guidelines covering sample preparation, replication and randomization, quantification, recovery and recombination, ion suppression and peak misidentification, as a means to enable high-quality reporting of liquid chromatography- and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics-derived data.
257 citations
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Saarland University1, University of Parma2, Technical University of Denmark3, University of Giessen4, Pasteur Institute5, University of Lorraine6, Max Planck Society7, Goethe University Frankfurt8, University of Lisbon9, National Museum of Natural History10, Wageningen University and Research Centre11, University of Paris12, John Innes Centre13, University of Manchester14, University of Perugia15, University of Tübingen16, University of Strasbourg17, Jacobs University Bremen18, University Hospital Bonn19, University of Bristol20, Uppsala University21, University of Ljubljana22, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative23, University of Dundee24, Novartis25
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a strategic blueprint to substantially improve our ability to discover and develop new antibiotics, and propose both short-term and long-term solutions to overcome the most urgent limitations in the various sectors of research and funding.
Abstract: An ever-increasing demand for novel antimicrobials to treat life-threatening infections caused by the global spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens stands in stark contrast to the current level of investment in their development, particularly in the fields of natural-product-derived and synthetic small molecules. New agents displaying innovative chemistry and modes of action are desperately needed worldwide to tackle the public health menace posed by antimicrobial resistance. Here, our consortium presents a strategic blueprint to substantially improve our ability to discover and develop new antibiotics. We propose both short-term and long-term solutions to overcome the most urgent limitations in the various sectors of research and funding, aiming to bridge the gap between academic, industrial and political stakeholders, and to unite interdisciplinary expertise in order to efficiently fuel the translational pipeline for the benefit of future generations.
255 citations
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University of California, Berkeley1, World Bank2, Innovations for Poverty Action3, University of California, Davis4, Northwestern University5, Yale University6, Deakin University7, University of Basel8, Max Planck Society9, Research Institute of Industrial Economics10, Princeton University11, Stanford University12, Columbia University13, University of Washington14, University of Göttingen15, Harvard University16, Wageningen University and Research Centre17
TL;DR: House coping strategies and government assistance were insufficient to sustain precrisis living standards, resulting in widespread food insecurity and dire economic conditions even 3 months into the crisis.
Abstract: Despite numerous journalistic accounts, systematic quantitative evidence on economic conditions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic remains scarce for most low- and middle-income countries, partly due to limitations of official economic statistics in environments with large informal sectors and subsistence agriculture. We assemble evidence from over 30,000 respondents in 16 original household surveys from nine countries in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines), and Latin America (Colombia). We document declines in employment and income in all settings beginning March 2020. The share of households experiencing an income drop ranges from 8 to 87% (median, 68%). Household coping strategies and government assistance were insufficient to sustain precrisis living standards, resulting in widespread food insecurity and dire economic conditions even 3 months into the crisis. We discuss promising policy responses and speculate about the risk of persistent adverse effects, especially among children and other vulnerable groups.
253 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated Amazonia's carbon budget and the main drivers responsible for its change into a carbon source, and found that total carbon emissions are greater in eastern Amazonia than in the western part, mostly as a result of spatial differences in carbon-monoxide-derived fire emissions.
Abstract: Amazonia hosts the Earth's largest tropical forests and has been shown to be an important carbon sink over recent decades1-3. This carbon sink seems to be in decline, however, as a result of factors such as deforestation and climate change1-3. Here we investigate Amazonia's carbon budget and the main drivers responsible for its change into a carbon source. We performed 590 aircraft vertical profiling measurements of lower-tropospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide at four sites in Amazonia from 2010 to 20184. We find that total carbon emissions are greater in eastern Amazonia than in the western part, mostly as a result of spatial differences in carbon-monoxide-derived fire emissions. Southeastern Amazonia, in particular, acts as a net carbon source (total carbon flux minus fire emissions) to the atmosphere. Over the past 40 years, eastern Amazonia has been subjected to more deforestation, warming and moisture stress than the western part, especially during the dry season, with the southeast experiencing the strongest trends5-9. We explore the effect of climate change and deforestation trends on carbon emissions at our study sites, and find that the intensification of the dry season and an increase in deforestation seem to promote ecosystem stress, increase in fire occurrence, and higher carbon emissions in the eastern Amazon. This is in line with recent studies that indicate an increase in tree mortality and a reduction in photosynthesis as a result of climatic changes across Amazonia1,10.
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Oak Ridge National Laboratory1, University of New South Wales2, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich3, University of Arizona4, Stanford University5, Scripps Institution of Oceanography6, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center7, University of Sydney8, Max Planck Society9, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute10, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute11, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli12, University of Leeds13, Aix-Marseille University14, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research15, University of California, Santa Barbara16, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation17, Université Paris-Saclay18, Australian National University19, ETH Zurich20, National University of Singapore21, California Institute of Technology22, Imperial College London23, Northern Arizona University24, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research25, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory26, University of California, Berkeley27, University of Basel28, Auckland University of Technology29, Indiana University30, University of Oxford31, Spanish National Research Council32, Umeå University33, University of Exeter34, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory35, University of California, Irvine36, United States Geological Survey37, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry38, Rutgers University39, Wageningen University and Research Centre40
TL;DR: A range of evidence supports a positive terrestrial carbon sink in response to iCO2, albeit with uncertain magnitude and strong suggestion of a role for additional agents of global change.
Abstract: Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2 ]) is increasing, which increases leaf-scale photosynthesis and intrinsic water-use efficiency. These direct responses have the potential to increase plant growth, vegetation biomass, and soil organic matter; transferring carbon from the atmosphere into terrestrial ecosystems (a carbon sink). A substantial global terrestrial carbon sink would slow the rate of [CO2 ] increase and thus climate change. However, ecosystem CO2 responses are complex or confounded by concurrent changes in multiple agents of global change and evidence for a [CO2 ]-driven terrestrial carbon sink can appear contradictory. Here we synthesize theory and broad, multidisciplinary evidence for the effects of increasing [CO2 ] (iCO2 ) on the global terrestrial carbon sink. Evidence suggests a substantial increase in global photosynthesis since pre-industrial times. Established theory, supported by experiments, indicates that iCO2 is likely responsible for about half of the increase. Global carbon budgeting, atmospheric data, and forest inventories indicate a historical carbon sink, and these apparent iCO2 responses are high in comparison to experiments and predictions from theory. Plant mortality and soil carbon iCO2 responses are highly uncertain. In conclusion, a range of evidence supports a positive terrestrial carbon sink in response to iCO2 , albeit with uncertain magnitude and strong suggestion of a role for additional agents of global change.
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Centre national de la recherche scientifique1, University of Montpellier2, Agricultural Research Service3, University of Dundee4, James Hutton Institute5, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna6, University of Manchester7, Wageningen University and Research Centre8, University of Reading9, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague10, Morton Arboretum11, University of Hamburg12, University of Göttingen13, Macquarie University14, Forschungszentrum Jülich15, Spanish National Research Council16, University of Georgia17, Polish Academy of Sciences18, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań19, ETH Zurich20, University of Minnesota21, Oak Ridge National Laboratory22, University of Auvergne23, Laurentian University24, University of Freiburg25, Leiden University26, Chinese Academy of Sciences27, Florida International University28, Leipzig University29
TL;DR: It is found that below-ground traits with widest importance in plant and ecosystem functioning are not those most commonly measured, and advocate that establishing causal hierarchical links among root traits will provide a hypothesis-based framework to identify the most parsimonious sets of traits with strongest influence on the functions, and to link genotypes to plant andcosystem functioning.
Abstract: The effects of plants on the biosphere, atmosphere and geosphere are key determinants of terrestrial ecosystem functioning. However, despite substantial progress made regarding plant belowground components, we are still only beginning to explore the complex relationships between root traits and functions. Drawing on the literature in plant physiology, ecophysiology, ecology, agronomy and soil science, we reviewed 24 aspects of plant and ecosystem functioning and their relationships with a number of root system traits, including aspects of architecture, physiology, morphology, anatomy, chemistry, biomechanics and biotic interactions. Based on this assessment, we critically evaluated the current strengths and gaps in our knowledge, and identify future research challenges in the field of root ecology. Most importantly, we found that belowground traits with the broadest importance in plant and ecosystem functioning are not those most commonly measured. Also, the estimation of trait relative importance for functioning requires us to consider a more comprehensive range of functionally relevant traits from a diverse range of species, across environments and over time series. We also advocate that establishing causal hierarchical links among root traits will provide a hypothesis-based framework to identify the most parsimonious sets of traits with the strongest links on functions, and to link genotypes to plant and ecosystem functioning.
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TL;DR: Common barriers that can hamper the isolation and culturing of novel microorganisms are discussed and emerging, innovative methods for targeted or high-throughput cultivation are reviewed.
Abstract: Despite the surge of microbial genome data, experimental testing is important to confirm inferences about the cell biology, ecological roles and evolution of microorganisms. As the majority of archaeal and bacterial diversity remains uncultured and poorly characterized, culturing is a priority. The growing interest in and need for efficient cultivation strategies has led to many rapid methodological and technological advances. In this Review, we discuss common barriers that can hamper the isolation and culturing of novel microorganisms and review emerging, innovative methods for targeted or high-throughput cultivation. We also highlight recent examples of successful cultivation of novel archaea and bacteria, and suggest key microorganisms for future cultivation attempts.
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TL;DR: The ability to improve resilience of the gut microbial ecosystem prior to perturbations, or to restore its equilibrium afterwards, would offer significant benefits.
Abstract: The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem, densely colonised by thousands of microbial species. It varies among individuals and depends on host genotype and environmental factors, such as diet and antibiotics. In this review, we focus on stability and resilience as essential ecological characteristics of the gut microbiome and its relevance for human health. Microbial diversity, metabolic flexibility, functional redundancy, microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions seem to be critical for maintaining resilience. The equilibrium of the gut ecosystem can be disrupted by perturbations, such as antibiotic therapy, causing significant decreases in functional richness and microbial diversity as well as impacting metabolic health. As a consequence, unbalanced states or even unhealthy stable states can develop, potentially leading to or supporting diseases. Accordingly, strategies have been developed to manipulate the gut microbiome in order to prevent or revert unhealthy states caused by perturbations, including faecal microbiota transplantation, supplementation with probiotics or non-digestible carbohydrates, and more extensive dietary modifications. Nevertheless, an increasing number of studies has evidenced interindividual variability in extent and direction of response to diet and perturbations, which has been attributed to the unique characteristics of each individual's microbiome. From a clinical, translational perspective, the ability to improve resilience of the gut microbial ecosystem prior to perturbations, or to restore its equilibrium afterwards, would offer significant benefits. To be effective, this therapeutic approach will likely need a personalised or subgroup-based understanding of individual genetics, diet, gut microbiome and other environmental factors that might be involved.
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TL;DR: The results confirm the persistence of dietary routines, but profound socio-demographic differences were observed for those that did report changes, especially for individuals with overweight and obesity, who have taken its toll on healthy dietary choices.
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Columbia University1, University of Glasgow2, National Institutes of Health3, Sahlgrenska University Hospital4, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education5, University of Palermo6, University of Cambridge7, Université de Montréal8, University of Western Ontario9, Wageningen University and Research Centre10, University of Toronto11, Tufts University12, French Institute of Health and Medical Research13, University of Copenhagen14, Copenhagen University Hospital15, Pasteur Institute16, University of Helsinki17, Hacettepe University18, University of Milan19
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for the generation of remnants due to dysregulation of TRL production, lipolysis, and remodelling, as well as clearance of remnant lipoproteins from the circulation, and challenges in defining, quantifying, and assessing the atherogenic properties of remnant particles.
Abstract: Recent advances in human genetics, together with a large body of epidemiologic, preclinical, and clinical trial results, provide strong support for a causal association between triglycerides (TG), TG-rich lipoproteins (TRL), and TRL remnants, and increased risk of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and aortic valve stenosis. These data also indicate that TRL and their remnants may contribute significantly to residual cardiovascular risk in patients on optimized low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering therapy. This statement critically appraises current understanding of the structure, function, and metabolism of TRL, and their pathophysiological role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Key points are (i) a working definition of normo- and hypertriglyceridaemic states and their relation to risk of ASCVD, (ii) a conceptual framework for the generation of remnants due to dysregulation of TRL production, lipolysis, and remodelling, as well as clearance of remnant lipoproteins from the circulation, (iii) the pleiotropic proatherogenic actions of TRL and remnants at the arterial wall, (iv) challenges in defining, quantitating, and assessing the atherogenic properties of remnant particles, and (v) exploration of the relative atherogenicity of TRL and remnants compared to LDL. Assessment of these issues provides a foundation for evaluating approaches to effectively reduce levels of TRL and remnants by targeting either production, lipolysis, or hepatic clearance, or a combination of these mechanisms. This consensus statement updates current understanding in an integrated manner, thereby providing a platform for new therapeutic paradigms targeting TRL and their remnants, with the aim of reducing the risk of ASCVD.
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TL;DR: A theory of selective ion removal for intercalation materials that, for the first time, considers mixtures of different cations, evidencing the time-dependent selectivity of these electrodes.
Abstract: Within the last decade, in addition to water desalination, capacitive deionization (CDI) has been used for resource recovery and selective separation of target ions in multicomponent solutions. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of selective ion removal utilizing different electrode materials, carbon and non-carbon together with or without membranes, from a mixture of salt solutions, by a detailed review of the literature from the beginning until the state-of-the-art. In this venture, we review the advances made in the preparation, theoretical understanding, and the role of electrodes and membranes. We also describe how ion selectivity has been defined and used in literature. Finally, we present a theory of selective ion removal for intercalation materials that, for the first time, considers mixtures of different cations, evidencing the time-dependent selectivity of these electrodes.
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TL;DR: The concept of Digital Twin is defined, a typology of different types of Digital Twins is developed, and a conceptual framework for designing and implementing Digital Twin systems based on the Internet of Things—Architecture (IoT-A), a reference architecture for IoT systems are proposed.
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TL;DR: This paper provided a probabilistic lifetime exposure model for children and adults, which accounts for intake via eight food types and inhalation, intestinal absorption, biliary excretion, and plastic-associated chemical exposure via a physiologically based pharmacokinetic submodel.
Abstract: Human exposure to microplastic is recognized as a global problem, but the uncertainty, variability, and lifetime accumulation are unresolved. We provide a probabilistic lifetime exposure model for children and adults, which accounts for intake via eight food types and inhalation, intestinal absorption, biliary excretion, and plastic-associated chemical exposure via a physiologically based pharmacokinetic submodel. The model probabilistically simulates microplastic concentrations in the gut, body tissue, and stool, the latter allowing validation against empirical data. Rescaling methods were used to ensure comparability between microplastic abundance data. Microplastic (1-5000 μm) median intake rates are 553 particles/capita/day (184 ng/capita/day) and 883 particles/capita/day (583 ng/capita/day) for children and adults, respectively. This intake can irreversibly accumulate to 8.32 × 103 (90% CI, 7.08 × 102-1.91 × 106) particles/capita or 6.4 (90% CI, 0.1-2.31 × 103) ng/capita for children until age 18, and up to 5.01 × 104 (90% CI, 5.25 × 103-9.33 × 106) particles/capita or 40.7 (90% CI, 0.8-9.85 × 103) ng/capita for adults until age 70 in the body tissue for 1-10 μm particles. Simulated microplastic concentrations in stool agree with empirical data. Chemical absorption from food and ingested microplastic of the nine intake media based on biphasic, reversible, and size-specific sorption kinetics, reveals that the contribution of microplastics to total chemical intake is small. The as-yet-unknown contributions of other food types are discussed in light of future research needs.
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TL;DR: The updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota is presented, as now accepted by the ICTV, after the phylum was amended and emended in March 2020.
Abstract: In March 2020, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. At the genus rank, 20 new genera were added, two were deleted, one was moved, and three were renamed. At the species rank, 160 species were added, four were deleted, ten were moved and renamed, and 30 species were renamed. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide mechanistic insights into the crosstalk between signalling components of pattern-triggered immunity and their molecular linkers, and propose that the EDS1-PAD4-ADR1 node is a convergence point for defence signalling cascades, activated by both surface-resident and intracellular LRR receptors, in conferring pathogen immunity.
Abstract: Plants deploy cell-surface and intracellular leucine rich-repeat domain (LRR) immune receptors to detect pathogens1. LRR receptor kinases and LRR receptor proteins at the plasma membrane recognize microorganism-derived molecules to elicit pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), whereas nucleotide-binding LRR proteins detect microbial effectors inside cells to confer effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Although PTI and ETI are initiated in different host cell compartments, they rely on the transcriptional activation of similar sets of genes2, suggesting pathway convergence upstream of nuclear events. Here we report that PTI triggered by the Arabidopsis LRR receptor protein RLP23 requires signalling-competent dimers of the lipase-like proteins EDS1 and PAD4, and of ADR1 family helper nucleotide-binding LRRs, which are all components of ETI. The cell-surface LRR receptor kinase SOBIR1 links RLP23 with EDS1, PAD4 and ADR1 proteins, suggesting the formation of supramolecular complexes containing PTI receptors and transducers at the inner side of the plasma membrane. We detected similar evolutionary patterns in LRR receptor protein and nucleotide-binding LRR genes across Arabidopsis accessions; overall higher levels of variation in LRR receptor proteins than in LRR receptor kinases are consistent with distinct roles of these two receptor families in plant immunity. We propose that the EDS1–PAD4–ADR1 node is a convergence point for defence signalling cascades, activated by both surface-resident and intracellular LRR receptors, in conferring pathogen immunity. The authors provide mechanistic insights into the crosstalk between signalling components of pattern-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity and their molecular linkers.
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Stockholm University1, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research3, University of Waterloo4, Harvard University5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, University of Wisconsin-Madison7, University of Alaska Fairbanks8, Yale University9, Princeton University10, Stanford University11, University of Cambridge12, Oregon State University13, Australian National University14, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation15
TL;DR: A systemic overview of the current situation where people and nature are dynamically intertwined and embedded in the biosphere, placing shocks and extreme events as part of this dynamic is provided in this paper.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed an interconnected and tightly coupled globalized world in rapid change. This article sets the scientific stage for understanding and responding to such change for global sustainability and resilient societies. We provide a systemic overview of the current situation where people and nature are dynamically intertwined and embedded in the biosphere, placing shocks and extreme events as part of this dynamic; humanity has become the major force in shaping the future of the Earth system as a whole; and the scale and pace of the human dimension have caused climate change, rapid loss of biodiversity, growing inequalities, and loss of resilience to deal with uncertainty and surprise. Taken together, human actions are challenging the biosphere foundation for a prosperous development of civilizations. The Anthropocene reality—of rising system-wide turbulence—calls for transformative change towards sustainable futures. Emerging technologies, social innovations, broader shifts in cultural repertoires, as well as a diverse portfolio of active stewardship of human actions in support of a resilient biosphere are highlighted as essential parts of such transformations.
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Centre national de la recherche scientifique1, Oak Ridge National Laboratory2, Agricultural Research Service3, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna4, Polish Academy of Sciences5, Forschungszentrum Jülich6, Macquarie University7, Pennsylvania State University8, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań9, James Hutton Institute10, University of Dundee11, VU University Amsterdam12, ETH Zurich13, University of Minnesota14, University of Hamburg15, Wageningen University and Research Centre16, University of Auvergne17, Laurentian University18, University of Freiburg19, Leiden University20, University of Montpellier21, Chinese Academy of Sciences22, Florida International University23, Leipzig University24, University of Georgia25, University of Leeds26, Institute of Ecosystem Studies27, Universidade Federal de Goiás28, University of Western Australia29, Clemson University30, Morton Arboretum31
TL;DR: A major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers’ views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
Abstract: In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
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TL;DR: The extent of digital twin adoption in agriculture is examined, light is shed on the concept and the benefits it brings, and an application-based roadmap for a more extended adoption is proposed.
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TL;DR: Experimental analysis combined with DFT calculations suggested that single P atom in high coordination shells, in particular the third coordination shell of Fe center enhanced the electronic localization of Fe, which improved the stabilization of the key *COOH intermediate on Fe, leading to superior CO 2 electrochemical reduction performance at low overpotentials.
Abstract: Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into chemicals and fuels has recently attracted much interest, but normally suffers from a high overpotential and low selectivity. In this work, single P atoms were introduced into a N-doped carbon supported single Fe atom catalyst (Fe- SAC /NPC) mainly in the form of P-C bonds for CO 2 electroreduction to CO in an aqueous solution. This catalyst exhibited a CO Faradaic efficiency of ~97% at a low overpotential of 320 mV, and a Tafel slope of only 59 mV dec -1 , comparable to state-of-the-art gold catalysts. Experimental analysis combined with DFT calculations suggested that single P atom in high coordination shells (n ≥ 3), in particular the third coordination shell of Fe center enhanced the electronic localization of Fe, which improved the stabilization of the key *COOH intermediate on Fe, leading to superior CO 2 electrochemical reduction performance at low overpotentials.
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Kangwon National University1, University of Pavia2, University of Basel3, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology4, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, University of Ljubljana7, National Research Council8, University of Valencia9, University of New England (Australia)10, National Taipei University of Technology11, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics12, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research13, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague14, Augsburg College15, University of Turin16, University of Bari17, Leibniz Association18, Tottori University19, University of Orléans20, University of Adelaide21, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano22, Yazd University23, Spanish National Research Council24, Beijing Normal University25, University of Twente26, University of Leicester27, Julius Kühn-Institut28, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich29, Agricultural Research Service30, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research31, University of Nebraska–Lincoln32, University of Rouen33, Romanian Academy34, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais35, Université catholique de Louvain36, University of Pisa37, University of Tehran38, University of Milan39, University of Alaska Fairbanks40, Wuhan Institute of Technology41, University of Maryland, College Park42, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki43, University of Aveiro44, Northwest A&F University45
TL;DR: This database intends to support the upcoming country-based United Nations global soil-erosion assessment in addition to helping to inform soil erosion research priorities by building a foundation for future targeted, in-depth analyses.
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University of Gdańsk1, Delft University of Technology2, Harvard University3, University of Texas at Austin4, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign7, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne8, University of Rome Tor Vergata9, university of lille10, University of Luxembourg11, Brown University12, University of Victoria13, University of Grenoble14, Northwestern University15, Brigham Young University16, National Institute of Standards and Technology17, Technische Universität München18, University of the Basque Country19, Arizona State University20, University of Groningen21, University of Fribourg22, University of Toronto23, Northeastern University24
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe new single-molecule protein sequencing and identification technologies alongside innovations in mass spectrometry that will eventually enable broad sequence coverage in single-cell profiling.
Abstract: Single-cell profiling methods have had a profound impact on the understanding of cellular heterogeneity. While genomes and transcriptomes can be explored at the single-cell level, single-cell profiling of proteomes is not yet established. Here we describe new single-molecule protein sequencing and identification technologies alongside innovations in mass spectrometry that will eventually enable broad sequence coverage in single-cell profiling. These technologies will in turn facilitate biological discovery and open new avenues for ultrasensitive disease diagnostics. This Perspective describes new single-molecule protein sequencing and identification technologies alongside innovations in mass spectrometry that will eventually enable broad sequence coverage in single-cell proteomics.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss key ingredients for the production of these novel products, with special focus on protein sources, and underline the importance of ingredient functionality, and observe that structuring processes are optimized based on ingredients that were not originally designed for meat analogues applications.
Abstract: Meat analogue research and development focuses on the production of sustainable products that recreate conventional meat in its physical sensations (texture, appearance, taste, etc.) and nutritional aspects. Minced products, like burger patties and nuggets, muscle-type products, like chicken or steak-like cuts, and emulsion products, like Frankfurter and Mortadella type sausages, are the major categories of meat analogues. In this review, we discuss key ingredients for the production of these novel products, with special focus on protein sources, and underline the importance of ingredient functionality. Our observation is that structuring processes are optimized based on ingredients that were not originally designed for meat analogues applications. Therefore, mixing and blending different plant materials to obtain superior functionality is for now the common practice. We observed though that an alternative approach towards the use of ingredients such as flours, is gaining more interest. The emphasis, in this case, is on functionality towards use in meat analogues, rather than classical functionality such as purity and solubility. Another trend is the exploration of novel protein sources such as seaweed, algae and proteins produced via fermentation (cellular agriculture).