Scientists' call to action: Microbes, planetary health, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and protists, are essential to life on Earth and the functioning of the biosphere. Here, we discuss the key roles of microorganisms in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting recent and emerging advances in microbial research and technology that can facilitate our transition toward a sustainable future. Given the central role of microorganisms in the biochemical processing of elements, synthesizing new materials, supporting human health, and facilitating life in managed and natural landscapes, microbial research and technologies are directly or indirectly relevant for achieving each of the SDGs.

Clinical features associated with the presence of anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 antibodies in Jo-1 antibody-positive anti-synthetase syndrome.

Introduction: Anti-SSA antibodies target two unrelated proteins, Ro52 (E3 ligase) and Ro60 (RNA binding protein). Previous studies indicate that anti-Ro52 antibodies are frequently associated with various myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs)-including anti-tRNA synthetase antibodies-and that the coexistence of MSAs and anti-Ro52 antibodies may portend worse clinical outcomes. Although not well-described in the setting of myositis, work from our animal model of HRS (histidyl-tRNA synthetase)-induced myositis suggests that anti-Ro60 antibodies may also be linked to specific MSAs such as anti-HRS/Jo-1.

Antigen-driven T cell-macrophage interactions mediate the interface between innate and adaptive immunity in histidyl-tRNA synthetase-induced myositis.

Introduction: Previous work in humans has demonstrated that both innate and adaptive immune signaling pathways contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), a systemic autoimmune disease targeting muscle as well as extra-muscular organs. To better define interactive signaling networks in IIM, we characterized the cellular phenotype and transcriptomic profiles of muscle-infiltrating cells in our established murine model of histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HRS)-induced myositis.

Methods: Myositis was induced in wild type (WT) and various congenic/mutant strains of C57BL/6 mice through intramuscular immunization with recombinant HRS.

Lichens as spatially transferable bioindicators for monitoring nitrogen pollution.

Excess nitrogen is a pollutant and global problem that harms ecosystems and can severely affect human health. Pollutant nitrogen is becoming more widespread and intensifying in the tropics. There is thus a requirement to develop nitrogen biomonitoring for spatial mapping and trend analysis of tropical biodiversity and ecosystems.

Avoiding emissions versus creating sinks-Effectiveness and attractiveness to climate finance.

The perception of greater impact via new sinks, as opposed to through avoided emissions, has already led some large investors to focus on sink-related projects. This is a flawed perception when applied universally and carries a risk that effective routes to mitigation through avoiding emissions are side-lined. In reality, both emissions avoidance and emissions removal are needed, and both can be a cost-effective means of delivering mitigation.

Correction: Szymanski et al. Recent Advances in Loop Heat Pipes with Flat Evaporator. 2021, , 1374.

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Recent Advances in Loop Heat Pipes with Flat Evaporator.

The focus of this review is to present the current advances in Loop Heat Pipes (LHP) with flat evaporators, which address the current challenges to the wide implementation of the technology. A recent advance in LHP is the design of flat-shaped evaporators, which is better suited to the geometry of discretely mounted electronics components (microprocessors) and therefore negate the need for an additional transfer surface (saddle) between component and evaporator. However, various challenges exist in the implementation of flat-evaporator, including (1) deformation of the evaporator due to high internal pressure and uneven stress distribution in the non-circular casing; (2) heat leak from evaporator heating zone and sidewall into the compensation chamber; (3) poor performance at start-up; (4) reverse flow through the wick; or (5) difficulties in sealing, and hence frequent leakage.

Agricultural methane emissions and the potential formitigation.

Agriculture is the largest anthropogenic source of methane (CH), emitting 145 Tg CHy to the atmosphere in 2017. The main sources are enteric fermentation, manure management, rice cultivation and residue burning. There is significant potential to reduce CH from these sources, with bottom-up mitigation potentials of approximately 10.

Mutation of a Ubiquitin Carboxy Terminal Hydrolase L1 Lipid Binding Site Alleviates Cell Death, Axonal Injury, and Behavioral Deficits After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice.

Ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a protein highly expressed in neurons that may play important roles in the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP) in neurons, axonal integrity, and motor function after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Binding of reactive lipid species to cysteine 152 of UCHL1 results in unfolding, aggregation, and inactivation of the enzyme. To test the role of this mechanism in TBI, mice bearing a cysteine to alanine mutation at site 152 (C152A mice) that renders UCHL1 resistant to inactivation by reactive lipids were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model (CCI) of TBI and compared to wild type (WT) controls.

Improving the identification of patients with a genetic diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care: A strategy to achieve the NHS long term plan.

Background And Aims: We aimed to validate a nurse-led process using electronic health records to identify those at risk of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) for genetic diagnosis in primary care.

Methods: Those at risk of FH were identified using searches developed and refined locally and implemented in primary care by a trained nurse; they were invited for further assessment and genetic testing if indicated. Family members at risk of FH were identified and invited for cascade testing.

Abolishing UCHL1's hydrolase activity exacerbates TBI-induced axonal injury and neuronal death in mice.

Ubiquitin (Ub) C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a multifunctional protein that is expressed in neurons throughout brain at high levels. UCHL1 deletion is associated with axonal degeneration, progressive sensory motor ataxia, and premature death in mice. UCHL1 has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and recovery after neuronal injury.

Assessing climate change projections and impacts on Central Malawi's maize yield: The risk of maladaptation.

Malawi is listed as a Low-Income Food-Deficit Country (LIFDC) by the United Nations (UN), with high levels of poverty, malnutrition, and undernutrition. The maize grown in the Central Region of Malawi represents approximately a quarter of the total Malawian population's calorie intake, is a large source of local income, and a significant contributor to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While maize has been shown to be more resilient to climatic changes than many other grain crops, the predominantly rain-fed maize grown in Central Malawi has experienced many shocks from severe weather events in the past.

Scientists' warning to humanity: microorganisms and climate change.

In the Anthropocene, in which we now live, climate change is impacting most life on Earth. Microorganisms support the existence of all higher trophic life forms. To understand how humans and other life forms on Earth (including those we are yet to discover) can withstand anthropogenic climate change, it is vital to incorporate knowledge of the microbial 'unseen majority'.

Role of UCHL1 in axonal injury and functional recovery after cerebral ischemia.

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a unique brain-specific deubiquitinating enzyme. Mutations in and aberrant function of UCHL1 have been linked to many neurological disorders. UCHL1 activity protects neurons from hypoxic injury, and binding of stroke-induced reactive lipid species to the cysteine 152 (C152) of UCHL1 unfolds the protein and disrupts its function.

Temperature and precipitation change in Malawi: Evaluation of CORDEX-Africa climate simulations for climate change impact assessments and adaptation planning.

Malawi is highlighted as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change. The large uncertainty around future climate change in the region remains a barrier to adaptation planning. Despite this high potential vulnerability, relatively little research has gone into determining how well available models represent this country's climate.

Development of novel NEMO-binding domain mimetics for inhibiting IKK/NF-κB activation.

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor important for regulating innate and adaptive immunity, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Dysregulation of NF-κB and its upstream regulator IκB kinase (IKK) contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory and degenerative diseases as well as cancer. An 11-amino acid peptide containing the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO)-binding domain (NBD) derived from the C-terminus of β subunit of IKK, functions as a highly selective inhibitor of the IKK complex by disrupting the association of IKKβ and the IKKγ subunit NEMO.

Production-phase greenhouse gas emissions arising from deliberate withdrawal and destruction of fresh fruit and vegetables under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

Since 1962 the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) of the European Union (EU) has enabled payment of subsidy to some food producers for withdrawal of specific commodities - including fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) - where market prices have fallen below a pre-set level. These deliberate withdrawals have led to large amounts of usable food (~60% of withdrawals) being destroyed on farms across the EU. Such wasted food incurs a significant climate change cost through its production-phase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Sustainable food security in India-Domestic production and macronutrient availability.

India has been perceived as a development enigma: Recent rates of economic growth have not been matched by similar rates in health and nutritional improvements. To meet the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) of achieving zero hunger by 2030, India faces a substantial challenge in meeting basic nutritional needs in addition to addressing population, environmental and dietary pressures. Here we have mapped-for the first time-the Indian food system from crop production to household-level availability across three key macronutrients categories of 'calories', 'digestible protein' and 'fat'.

Gas-fired power in the UK: Bridging supply gaps and implications of domestic shale gas exploitation for UK climate change targets.

There is a projected shortcoming in the fourth carbon budget of 7.5%. This shortfall may be increased if the UK pursues a domestic shale gas industry to offset projected decreases in traditional gas supply.

A half-century of production-phase greenhouse gas emissions from food loss & waste in the global food supply chain.

Research on loss & waste of food meant for human consumption (FLW) and its environmental impact typically focuses on a single or small number of commodities in a specific location and point in time. However, it is unclear how trends in global FLW and potential for climate impact have evolved. Here, by utilising the Food and Agriculture Organization's food balance sheet data, we expand upon existing literature.

Climate-smart soils.

Soils are integral to the function of all terrestrial ecosystems and to food and fibre production. An overlooked aspect of soils is their potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Although proven practices exist, the implementation of soil-based greenhouse gas mitigation activities are at an early stage and accurately quantifying emissions and reductions remains a substantial challenge.

The potential for tree planting strategies to reduce local and regional ecosystem impacts of agricultural ammonia emissions.

Trees are very effective at capturing both gaseous and particulate pollutants from the atmosphere. But while studies have often focussed on PM and NOx in the urban environment, little research has been carried out on the tree effect of capturing gaseous emissions of ammonia in the rural landscape. To examine the removal or scavenging of ammonia by trees a long-range atmospheric model (FRAME) was used to compare two strategies that could be used in emission reduction policies anywhere in the world where nitrogen pollution from agriculture is a problem.