Search Results (17)

Copper is a vital micronutrient for animals and plants acting as a crucial cofactor in the synthesis of numerous metabolic enzymes and contributing to mitochondrial respiration, metabolism, oxido-reductive reactions, signal transmission, and oxidative and nitrosative damage. In the cells, copper may exist in the Cu⁺ and Cu⁺⁺ oxidation states and the interconversion between these two states may occur via various redox reactions regulating cellular respiration, energy metabolism, and cell growth. The human body maintains a low level of copper, and copper deficiency or copper excess may adversely affect cellular functions; therefore, regulation of copper levels within a narrow range is important for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Recent studies identified a new copper-dependent form of cell death called cuproptosis. Cuproptosis occurs due to copper binding to lipoylated enzymes (for instance, pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) in the tricarboxylic acid Krebs cycle. In recent years, extensive studies on copper homeostasis and copper-induced cell death in degenerative disorders, like Menkes, Wilson, Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, have discussed the therapeutic potential of targeting cuproptosis. Copper contamination in the environment, which has increased in recent years due to the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities, is associated with a wide range of human health risks. Soil used for the cultivation of grapes has a long history of copper-based fungicide application (the Bordeaux mixture is rich in copper) resulting in copper accumulation at levels capable of causing toxicity in plants that co-inhabit the vineyards. Phytoremediation, which uses plants and biological solutions to remove toxic heavy metals and pesticides and other contaminants from soil and water, is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective technology used for the removal of copper. It requires plants to be tolerant of high levels of copper and capable of accumulating metal copper in plants’ aerial organs and roots. This review aims at highlighting the importance of copper as an essential metal, as well as its involvement in cuproptosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

The science of biogeography was described through mathematical equations in 1967 by Robert MacArthur and Edward Wilson. In 2008, Dan Simon presented an algorithm called biogeography-based optimization, or BBO, which used some of the principles and definitions described in MacArthur and Wilson’s book. The objectives of this work were to study the behavior of the BBO method when it is hybridized with other evolutionary search methods and to analyze the effect of its application to some examples of mechanical engineering systems. The operators considered in the hybridization study are genetic recombination (crossover) and local search, aiming to overcome the limitations and difficulties that arise when using the original BBO. The results of the original BBO were promising in the context of a global search. However, there is a diversity problem that does not allow for good quality increments in the final phase of the evolutionary process. The additional modifications included, such as the concept of blending in migration, the cycle of mutations and the replacement of the worst solutions by injection of new ones, all show positive effects on the method’s performance. However, the biggest increase happened with the implementation of the hybridization processes. Crossover improved the speed and diversity of the population in some cases, while local search helped the algorithm in later generations, allowing it to quickly reach the optimum point. With this mentioned, it is important to note that the best results were all obtained with the fully modified algorithm. Statistical tests were implemented to validate the significance of changes due to modifications included in the original proposal of BBO. Full article

Copper is an essential heavy metal for diverse biological functions but toxic in excess. Consequently, a tightly regulated protein system is required to ensure adequate intracellular levels. In recent decades, several studies have explored the role of Cu⁺-ATPases in copper transport and homeostasis, revealing that these proteins are subject to kinase-mediated phosphorylation that significantly impacts their function. Techniques such as phosphoproteomic screening, site-directed mutagenesis, and artificial neural network tools demonstrated the regulatory effect of phosphorylation on these ATPases. Different protein kinases regulate Cu⁺-ATPases, modulating the active copper transport by affecting specific steps of the catalytic cycle, long-range intramolecular crosstalks, protein trafficking, gene expression, and protein stability. Therefore, the regulatory phosphorylation of Cu⁺-ATPases by kinases ultimately influences the intracellular copper distribution. This study aims to present a review of the scientific literature on the regulation of Cu⁺-ATPases by kinase-mediated phosphorylation as a crucial mechanism for copper homeostasis. This regulation offers new perspectives for developing therapies for disorders related to copper metabolism, such as Wilson and Menkes diseases, as well as cancer, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. These findings emphasize the need to further comprehend the signaling pathways involving protein kinases in the context of copper regulation. Full article

SE Anatolia is witnessing the final stage of the Wilson Cycle, where a continental collision between the Tauride–Anatolide block and Arabian platform occurred, and a 1.5 km Eastern Tauride mountain chain formed. We present new low-temperature thermochronology (LTT) ages, including eight apatite fission track (AFT) and seven apatite and zircon U-Th-Sm/He (AHe, ZHe) ages, for the metamorphic rocks from the Nappe Zone of the Southeast Anatolian Orogenic Belt. The ZHe ages vary from 51.2 ± 0.7 Ma to 30.4 ± 0.6 Ma, the AFT ages range from 33.1 ± 1.6 Ma to 18.1 ± 0.9 Ma, and the AHe ages range from 23.6 ± 2.5 Ma to 6 ± 1.9 Ma. The LTT data show a continuous slow uplift of the region. However, the thermal modeling results suggest an Eocene and middle–late Miocene fast uplift of the region. Similar to our results, the LTT studies along the SAOB show that the vertical movements initiated during the Eocene period have continued in a steady-state regime to recent times. The Eocene epoch is identified by arc–back-arc setting in the region, whereas the Miocene epoch is marked by the continental collision. Within this tectonic framework, vertical movements on the overriding plate are controlled by both extensional and compressional tectonics. The LTT data obtained along the SAOB show fingerprints of thrust propagation from north to south. Full article

Seafloor spreading is an important cornerstone of the theory of plate tectonics. Asymmetric seafloor spreading and oceanic ridge jumps are common phenomena in this process and play important roles in controlling oceanic crust accretion, regional tectonics and geological geometric boundaries. As the largest marginal sea in the western Pacific, the South China Sea is an ideal laboratory for dissecting the Wilson cycle of small marginal sea-type ocean basins restricted by surrounding blocks and exploring the deep dynamic processes of confined small ocean basins. In recent years, a lot of research has been conducted on the spreading history of the South China Sea and has achieved fruitful results. However, the detailed dynamic mechanisms of asymmetric seafloor spreading and ridge jumps are still unclear. Therefore, this paper summarizes the basic understanding about the dynamic mechanisms of global asymmetric seafloor spreading and ridge jumps and reviews the related research results of asymmetric seafloor spreading and ridge jumps in the South China Sea. Previous studies have basically confirmed that seafloor spreading in the South China Sea started between ~32 and 34 Ma in the east sub-basin and ended at ~15 Ma in the northwest sub-basin, with at least once oceanic ridge jump in the east sub-basin. The current research mainly focuses on the age of the seafloor spreading in the South China Sea and the location, time and stage of the ridge jumps, but there are relatively few studies on high-resolution lithospheric structure across these ridges and the dynamic mechanism of oceanic ridge jumps. Based on the current research progress, we propose that further studies should focus on the lithosphere–asthenosphere scale in the future, suggesting that marine magnetotelluric and Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) surveys should be conducted across the residual oceanic ridges to perform a detailed analysis of the tectonics magmatism in the east sub-basin to gain insights into the dynamic mechanisms of oceanic ridge jumps and asymmetric seafloor spreading, which can promote understanding of the tectonic evolution of the South China Sea and improve the classical plate tectonics theory that was constructed based on the open ocean basins. Full article

The maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) forest is an essential element of the Portuguese forest landscape due to its social, economic, and environmental importance. The sustainability of these forests in the Mediterranean region faces challenges due to recurrent forest fires and the absence of or delayed management. The species has a high capacity for regeneration, but the perpetuation of pine forests in sustainable conditions depends on adequate management to achieve high biomass production and assure fire resilience. This study aimed to analyse four management scenarios (C1 to C4) for the natural regeneration of maritime pine in six areas with stand ages ranging from 6 to 16 years and densities varying from 15,000 to circa 93,000 trees per ha. The same four scenarios were implemented in each of the six areas. The scenarios considered the evolution of forest growth according to different management prescriptions and were simulated using Modispinaster and PiroPinus models. Scenario C1 considered no intervention, with only the final cut. Scenario C2 considered a thinning schedule to maintain the stand within the 50–60% range of the Stand Density Index (SDI). Scenario C3 followed the area’s Forest Management Plan (PGF), which typically includes two or three thinning operations throughout the cycle. Scenario C4 was adapted from the MS1 silvicultural model of the National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests—ICNF, which involves opening strips at earlier ages (3 and 6 years), with the selection of trees to remain in the wooded area carried out between 4 and 10 years of age and performing thinning whenever the Wilson Spacing Factor (FW) reaches 0.21. The final cutting age was assumed to be 45 years but could be lowered to 35 years in Scenario 3 if defined in the plan. Based on the indicators generated by the simulators, the results showed variations in the total volume of timber produced at the time of harvest depending on the silvicultural guidelines. Scenario C4 was the most effective in generating the highest individual tree volume at the end of the cycle and the total volume of timber collected throughout the cycle. The ability of the forest to resist fire was evaluated before and after the first treatment for density reduction. The treatments performed did not decrease the resistance to fire control. Full article

The Wispy Terrain is the region of chasmata characterized by quasi-parallel fault systems, formed by extensional and shear stresses of the icy crust of Dione, a moon of Saturn. Besides the basic, satellite-scale geological mapping and very general definition of the phenomenon, only a few studies focus on the Wispy Terrain and its chasmata from the angle of detailed tectonic reconstruction, with others mainly targeting, e.g., the timing of its formation. This study provides a detailed geological and cryotectonic analysis in the surroundings of the Eurotas and Palatine Chasmata and proposes additional, until now, unidentified tectonic processes and a formation model. The relationship between fragmentary impact craters and tectonic features indicates other newly suspected tectonic movements, namely thrust, and splay and décollement fault systems. In contrast to the commonly expected and identified dilatational processes, such fault types show compression and are characteristic of subduction in a terrestrial environment. Theoretically, the appearance of such tectonic processes means that the already-known rift and the newly discovered subsumption (subduction-like) processes may appear together in the Wispy Terrain. The appearance of both features may suggest the presence of some of the components (phases) of a Wilson cycle analog cryotectonic cycle (or possibly cycles) in icy planetary bodies like Dione. Full article

The East Kunlun Orogen on the northern margin of the Tethyan orogenic system records a history of Gondwana dispersal and Laurasian accretion. Uncertainties remain regarding the detailed histories of northern branches of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in East Kunlun Orogen (Buqingshan Ocean). Based on a synthesis of sedimentary, structural, lithological, geochemical, and geochronological data from the East Kunlun Orogen and adjacent regions, this paper discusses the spreading and northward consumption of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean during Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic times. The main evolutionary stages are: (1) during Carboniferous to Middle Permian, the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (Buqingshan Ocean) was in an ocean spreading stage, as suggested by the occurrence of Carboniferous MORB-, and OIB-type oceanic units and Carboniferous to Middle Permian Passive continental margin deposits; (2) the Buqingshan Ocean subducted northward beneath the East Kunlun Terrane, leading to the development of a large continental magmatic arc (Burhan Budai arc) and forearc basin between ~270–240 Ma; (3) during the late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic (ca. 240–230 Ma), the Qiangtang terrane collided with the East Kunlun–Qaidam terranes, leading to the final closure of the Buqingshan Ocean and occurrences of minor collision-type magmatism and potentially inception of the Bayan Har foreland basin; (4) finally, the East Kunlun Orogen evolved into a post-collisional stage and produced major magmatic flare-ups and polymetallic mineral deposits between Late Triassic to Early Jurassic (ca. 230–200 Ma), which is possibly related to asthenospheric mantle upwelling induced by delamination of thickened continental lithosphere and partial melting of the lower crust. In this paper, we propose that the Wilson cycle-like processes controlled the Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic tectonic evolution of East Kunlun, which provides significant implications for the evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Full article

Radio radiation has been detected across the Hertzsprung Russell diagram. We selected three objects with radio radiation (a semi-detached eclipsing binary V Crt, and two detached binaries WY Cnc and CG Cyg) that show magnetic activity. We made new photometric observations using a SARA 60 cm and NAOC 85 cm optical telescopes. Then, we obtained their orbital and starspot parameters by analyzing our light curves and published radial velocities using the updated Wilson-Devinney program. We revised the ephemeris information for V Crt and WY Cnc by analyzing the orbital minimum times. The orbital periods increased by 2.8 ($\pm 2.1$) ×${10}^{-9}$ d yr${}^{-1}$ for V Crt, which maybe caused by mass transfer. The orbital periods decreased by −8.641 ($\pm 0.004$) ×${10}^{-8}$ d yr${}^{-1}$ for WY Cnc. Orbital period change for CG Cyg was also found and we used a third-body of $M_3$ of 0.14 M${}_{\odot }$ and a period of approximately 59.20 (0.36) yr to explain that. We also analysed the possible second period oscillation of CG Cyg with a cycle about 18.31 (0.06) yr. The long period changes of WY Cnc and CG Cyg might be caused by magnetic activity or stellar wind, rather than mass transfer. Full article

Measurements of dust emissions and the modeling of dissipation dynamics and total values are related to great uncertainties. Agricultural activity, especially soil cultivation, may be an essential component to calculate and model local and regional dust dynamics and even connect to the global dust cycle. To budget total dust and to assess the impact of tillage, measurement of mobilized and transported dust is an essential but rare basis. In this study, a simple measurement concept with Modified Wilson and Cook samplers was applied for dust measurements on a small temporal and spatial scale on steep-slope vineyards in the Moselle area. Without mechanical impact, a mean horizontal flux of 0.01 g m² min⁻¹ was measured, while row tillage produced a mean horizontal flux of 5.92 g m² min⁻¹ of mobilized material and 4.18 g m² min⁻¹ emitted dust from site (=soil loss). Compared on this singular-event basis, emissions during tillage operations generated 99.89% of total emitted dust from the site under low mean wind velocities. The results also indicate a differing impact of specific cultivation operations, mulching, and tillage tools as well as the additional influence of environmental conditions, with highest emissions on dry soil and with additional wind impact. The dust source function is strongly associated with cultivation operations, implying highly dynamic but also regular and thus predictable and projectable emission peaks of total suspended particles. Detailed knowledge of the effects of mechanical impulses and reliable quantification of the local dust emission inventory are a basis for analysis of risk potential and choice of adequate management options. Full article

Isotopic and geochemical data delineate passive margin, rift and active margin cycles in northwestern South America since ~623 Ma, spanning from the Iapetus Wilson Cycle. Ultramafic and mafic rocks record rifting associated with the formation of the Iapetus Ocean during 623–531 Ma, while the initiation of subduction of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans is recorded by continental arc plutons that formed during 499–414 Ma, with alternating compressive and extensional stages. Muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates suggest there may have been a phase of Carboniferous metamorphism, although this remains tentative. A Passive margin was modified by active margin magmatism that started at ~294 Ma and culminated with collisional tectonics that signaled the final stages of the amalgamation of western Pangaea. Early Pangaea fragmentation included back-arc rifting during 245–216 Ma, leading to a Pacific active margin that spanned from 213–115 Ma. Trench retreat accelerated during 144–115 Ma, forming a highly attenuated continental margin prior to the collision of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province at ~75 Ma. Full article

Commander complex is a 16-protein complex that plays multiple roles in various intracellular events in endosomal cargo and in the regulation of cell homeostasis, cell cycle and immune response. It consists of COMMD1–10, CCDC22, CCDC93, DENND10, VPS26C, VPS29, and VPS35L. These proteins are expressed ubiquitously in the human body, and they have been linked to diseases including Wilson’s disease, atherosclerosis, and several types of cancer. In this review we describe the function of the commander complex in endosomal cargo and summarize the individual known roles of COMMD proteins in cell signaling and cancer. It becomes evident that commander complex might be a much more important player in intracellular regulation than we currently understand, and more systematic research on the role of commander complex is required. Full article

WD is caused by ATP7B variants disrupting copper efflux resulting in excessive copper accumulation mainly in liver and brain. The diagnosis of WD is challenged by its variable clinical course, onset, morbidity, and ATP7B variant type. Currently it is diagnosed by a combination of clinical symptoms/signs, aberrant copper metabolism parameters (e.g., low ceruloplasmin serum levels and high urinary and hepatic copper concentrations), and genetic evidence of ATP7B mutations when available. As early diagnosis and treatment are key to favorable outcomes, it is critical to identify subjects before the onset of overtly detrimental clinical manifestations. To this end, we sought to improve WD diagnosis using artificial neural network algorithms (part of artificial intelligence) by integrating available clinical and molecular parameters. Surprisingly, WD diagnosis was based on plasma levels of glutamate, asparagine, taurine, and Fischer’s ratio. As these amino acids are linked to the urea–Krebs’ cycles, our study not only underscores the central role of hepatic mitochondria in WD pathology but also that most WD patients have underlying hepatic dysfunction. Our study provides novel evidence that artificial intelligence utilized for integrated analysis for WD may result in earlier diagnosis and mechanistically relevant treatments for patients with WD. Full article

Micronutrient deficiency affects individuals all around the world, being a public health problem. To minimize this problem, several alternatives are being developed, namely agronomic biofortification, to increase the amount of nutrients in food crops. In this context, Zn is one of the most relevant micronutrients for the human body, displaying catalytic, structural, and regulatory properties. Considering that Zn deficiency leads to health disorders (namely, neurological disorders, autoimmune and degenerative diseases related to age, Wilson’s disease, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes mellitus), a technical itinerary for biofortification was outlined in a field of grapes located in Palmela (Portugal), aiming to optimize Zn content for the Syrah variety. Biofortification was performed with foliar spraying of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) throughout the production cycle (at concentrations of 0%, 30%, and 60%—0, 450, and 900 g ha⁻¹). The zinc biofortification index increased about 59% and 45%, respectively, with OZn60 and SZn60 (i.e., concentrations of 60% with treatment ZnO and ZnSO₄ respectively), whereas its deposition in the flesh of the grapes increased 2.41- and 2.37-fold and in the seeds by approx. 1.76- and 2.19-fold (with OZn60 and SZn60, respectively). After vinification, significant increases in Zn content in the wine were also found (1.92- and 1.77-fold); however, considering the amount of this nutrient in grapes, it was concluded that vinification must also be optimized. Full article

With this paper we communicated the existence of a surface electrocardiography (ECG) recordings dataset, named WCTECGdb, that aside from the standard 12-lead signals includes the raw electrode biopotential for each of the nine exploring electrodes refereed directly to the right leg. This dataset, comprises of 540 ten second segments recorded from 92 patients at Campbelltown Hospital, NSW Australia, and is now available for download from the Physionet platform. The data included in the dataset confirm that the Wilson’s Central Terminal (WCT) has a relatively large amplitude (up to 247% of lead II) with standard ECG characteristics such as a p-wave and a t-wave, and is highly variable during the cardiac cycle. As further examples of application for our data, we assess: (1) the presence of a conductive pathway between the legs and the heart concluding that in some cases is electrically significant and (2) the initial assumption about the limbs potential stating the dominance of the left arm concluding that this is not always the case and that might requires case to case assessment. Full article