bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food availability modulates the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming on fish growth
Authors: Cominassi Louise , Moyano Marta , Claireaux Guy , Howald Sarah , Mark Felix C. , Zambonino-Infante José-Luis , Peck Myron A.
Published: February 2020

When organisms are unable to feed ad libitum they may be more susceptible to negative effects of environmental stressors such as ocean acidification and warming (OAW). We reared sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) at 15 or 20 °C and at ambient or high PCO2 (650 versus 1750 µatm PCO2; pH = 8.1 or 7.6) at ad libitum feeding and observed no discernible effect of PCO2 on the size-at-age of juveniles after 277 (20 °C) and 367 (15 °C) days. Feeding trials were then conducted including a restricted ration (25% ad libitum). At 15 °C, growth rate increased with ration but was unaffected by PCO2. At 20 °C, acidification and warming acted antagonistically and low feeding level enhanced PCO2 effects. Differences in growth were not merely a consequence of lower food intake but also linked to changes in digestive efficiency. The specific activity of digestive enzymes (amylase, trypsin, phosphatase alkaline and aminopeptidase N) at 20 °C was lower at the higher PCO2 level. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating restricted feeding into experimental designs examining OAW and suggests that ad libitum feeding used in the majority of the studies to date may not have been suitable to detect impacts of ecological significance.
QTL-Seq and Sequence Assembly Rapidly Mapped the Gene BrMYBL2.1 for the Purple Trait in Brassica rapa
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Kang , Wu Jian , Guo Ning , Liang Jianli , Wang Xiaowu , Cheng Feng
Published: February 2020

Anthocyanins have strong antioxidant activity and are believed to be healthy for human beings. The Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis var. purpurea “Zicaitai” is rich in anthocyanins. We constructed an F2 population of Zicaitai and “Caixin” (Brassica rapa ssp. parachinensis) and it shows clear segregation of the purple phenotype (i.e., variation in anthocyanin enrichment). Here, quantitative trait locus (QTL)-Seq was performed with two sample groups from the F2 population: one exhibiting an intense purple phenotype and the other showed a completely green phenotype. The results showed that the QTL-Seq and linkage analysis located different major loci. This indicates that there are two major genetic factors that plays different roles in regulating anthocyanin enrichment in Zicaitai. This was further supported by the data simulation of an in silico F2 population that QTL-Seq and linkage analysis can locate different major loci. Furthermore, the draft genomes of the two parents (Zicaitai and Caixin) were assembled and utilized to search for mutations in candidate genes. A ~100-bp insertion was found in the third exon of gene BrMYBL2.1 in Zicaitai. BrMYBL2.1 is a negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, while BrEGL3.2—previously located by linkage mapping—is a positive regulator. For these populations with multiple genes contributing large effects to a trait, a strategy of low depth re-sequencing of F2 individuals followed by QTL-Seq analysis with the free combination of sample groups is proposed. Furthermore, draft-sequence assembly of parental genomes together with QTL mapping is suggested as an efficient means for fine-mapping genes rapidly in segregating populations.
Targeted memory reactivation during sleep boosts intentional forgetting of spatial locations
Authors: Schechtman Eitan , Witkowski Sarah , Lampe Anna , Wilson Brianna J. , Paller Ken A.
Published: February 2020

Although we experience thousands of distinct events on a daily basis, relatively few are committed to memory. The human capacity to intentionally control which events will be remembered has been demonstrated using learning procedures with instructions to purposely avoid committing specific items to memory. In this study, we used a variant of the item-based directed-forgetting procedure and instructed participants to memorize the location of some images but not others on a grid. These instructions were conveyed using a set of auditory cues. Then, during an afternoon nap, we unobtrusively presented a cue that was used to instruct participant to avoid committing the locations of some images to memory. After sleep, memory was worse for to-be-forgotten image locations associated with the presented sound relative to those associated with a sound that was not presented during sleep. We conclude that memory processing during sleep can serve not only to secure memory storage but also to weaken it. Given that intentional suppression may be used to weaken unpleasant memories, such sleep-based strategies may help accelerate treatments for memory-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Lipidomic profiles, lipid trajectories and clinical biomarkers in female elite endurance athletes
Authors: Varga Tibor V. , Ali Ashfaq , Herrera Jose A. R. , Ahonen Linda L. , Mattila Ismo M. , Al-Sari Naba H. , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Skouby Sven , Brunak Søren , Tornberg Åsa B.
Published: February 2020

We assessed whether blood lipid metabolites and their changes associate with various cardiometabolic, endocrine, bone- and energy-related comorbidities of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in female elite endurance athletes. Thirty-eight Scandinavian female elite athletes underwent a day-long exercise test. Five blood samples were obtained during the day - at fasting state and before and after two standardized exercise tests. Clinical biomarkers were assessed at fasting state, while untargeted lipidomics was undertaken using all blood samples. Linear and logistic regression was used to assess associations between lipidomic features and clinical biomarkers. Overrepresentations of findings withP < 0.05 from these association tests were assessed using Fisher’s exact tests. Self-organizing maps and a trajectory clustering algorithm were utilized to identify informative clusters in the population. Twenty associationsPFDR < 0.05 were detected between lipidomic features and clinical biomarkers. Notably, cortisol demonstrated an overrepresentation of associations withP < 0.05 compared to other traits (PFisher = 1.9×10−14). Mean lipid trajectories were created for 201 named features for the cohort and subsequently by stratifying participants by their energy availability and menstrual dysfunction status. This exploratory analysis of lipid trajectories indicates that participants with menstrual dysfunction might have decreased adaptive response to exercise interventions.
Common and Unique microRNAs in Multiple Carcinomas Regulate Similar Network of Pathways to Mediate Cancer Progression
Authors: Niveditha Divya , Jasoria Mayank , Narayan Jayesh , Majumder Syamantak , Mukherjee Sudeshna , Chowdhury Rajdeep , Chowdhury Shibasish
Published: February 2020

Cancer is a complex disease with a fatal outcome. Early detection of cancer, by monitoring appropriate molecular markers is very important for its therapeutic management. In this regard, the short non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown great promise due to their availability in circulating fluids facilitating non-invasive detection of cancer. In this study, an in silico comparative analysis was performed to identify specific signature miRNAs dysregulated across multiple carcinomas and simultaneously identify unique miRNAs for each cancer type as well. The miRNA-seq data of cancer patient was obtained from GDC portal and their differential expressions along with the pathways regulated by both common and unique miRNAs were analyzed. Our studies show twelve miRNAs commonly dysregulated across seven different cancer types. Interestingly, four of those miRNAs (hsa-mir-210, hsa-mir-19a, hsa-mir-7 and hsa-mir-3662) are already reported as circulatory miRNAs (circRNAs); while, the miR-183 cluster along with hsa-mir-93 have been found to be incorporated in exosomes signifying the importance of the identified miRNAs for their use as prospective, non-invasive biomarkers. Further, the target mRNAs and pathways regulated by both common and unique miRNAs were analyzed, which interestingly had significant commonality. This suggests that miRNAs that are commonly de-regulated and specifically altered in multiple cancers might regulate similar pathways to promote cancer. Our data is of significance because we not only identify a set of common and unique miRNAs for multiple cancers but also highlight the pathways regulated by them, which might facilitate the development of future non-invasive biomarkers conducive for early detection of cancers.
Transferrin-targeted porous silicon nanoparticles reduce glioblastoma cell migration across tight extracellular space
Authors: Sheykhzadeh Sana , Luo Meihua , Peng Bo , White Jacinta , Abdalla Youssef , Tang Tweety , Mäkilä Ermei , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Tong Wing Yin
Published: February 2020

Mortality of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not improved over the last two decades despite medical breakthroughs in the treatment of other types of cancers. Nanoparticles hold tremendous promise to overcome the pharmacokinetic challenges and off-target adverse effects. However, an inhibitory effect of nanoparticles by themselves on metastasis has not been explored. In this study, we developed transferrin-conjugated porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNP) and studied their effect on inhibiting GBM migration by means of a microfluidic-based migration chip. This platform, designed to mimic the tight extracellular migration tracts in brain parenchyma, allowed high-content time-resolved imaging of cell migration. Tf@pSiNP were colloidally stable, biocompatible, and their uptake into GBM cells was enhanced by receptor-mediated internalisation. The migration of Tf@pSiNP-exposed cells across the confined microchannels was suppressed, but unconfined migration was unaffected. The pSiNP-induced destabilisation of focal adhesions at the leading front may partially explain the migration inhibition. More corroborating evidence suggests that pSiNP uptake reduced the plasticity of GBM cells in reducing cell volume, an effect that proved crucial in facilitating migration across the tight confined tracts. We believe that the inhibitory effect of Tf@pSiNP on cell migration, together with the drug-delivery capability of pSiNP, could potentially offer a disruptive strategy to treat GBM.
Effects of corneal crosslinking on corneal shape stabilization after orthokeratology
Authors: Liao Chimei , Lin Xingyan , Keel Stuart , Ha Jason , Yang Xiao , He Mingguang
Published: February 2020

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) works to reshape cornea and is the only non-surgical way to enable vision without corrective aids. However, its effect is only temporary, and successful stabilization requires ongoing Ortho-K wear to maintain the reshaping effect. Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a commonly-used technique in clinical practice to stabilize corneal shape in keratoconic eyes. However, whether or not CXL can stabilize corneal shape after Ortho-K in normal cornea has not been reported. Therefore, this proof-of-concept study using 2 rhesus monkeys aimed to determine the efficacy of the combined procedure. One monkey wore Ortho-K bilaterally for 24 hours, and the other from 6 pm to 8 am for 7 days. The left eyes of both monkeys underwent CXL after Ortho-K while the contralateral eye served as control. Results showed a gradual regression of corneal shape in all eyes with or without CXL. However, eyes underwent CXL regressed more slowly than the control eyes. The control eyes and the CXL treatment eye in the 7-day Ortho-K monkey regressed completely at last, while the CXL treatment eye in the 24 h Ortho-K monkey maintained a corneal flattening of −1.48 D 27 days after procedure. These findings suggest CXL can slow the regression of Ortho-K for a short duration, but cannot sustain its effect according to the current protocol.
Couples with mild male factor infertility and at least 3 failed previous IVF attempts may benefit from laparoscopic investigation regarding assisted reproduction outcome
Authors: Pantou Agni , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Maziotis Evangelos , Giannelou Polina , Grigoriadis Sokratis , Tsioulou Petroula , Kokkali Georgia , Koutsilieris Michael , Pantos Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study is to assess the value of laparoscopy for couples diagnosed with mild male factor infertility and at least three previous failedIn-VitroFertilization (IVF) attempts. A total of 169 couples were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were presented with the option of being subjected to laparoscopic investigation for correction of previously unidentified endometriosis or pelvic adhesions. The outcome measures were Live Birth/Ongoing Pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and positive hCG rate. One-hundred and one of them opted for, whereas 68 opted against laparoscopic investigation. All patients proceeded with a single ICSI cycle. Following laparoscopic investigation, 43 patients were diagnosed with endometriosis, 22 with adhesions, while for 36 patients laparoscopic investigation provided no further diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding baseline hormonal levels and other characteristics between the two groups and the three subgroups. When compared to the no-laparoscopy group, women subjected to laparoscopy presented with a higher clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate. Following endometriosis correction, a marginally non-statistically significant trend was observed regarding a decrease in poor-quality blastocysts (p = 0.056). A statistically significant higher clinical pregnancy (p = 0.03) and ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate was observed in the endometriosis group when compared to male factor infertility only (p = 0.04). Laparoscopic identification and correction of undiagnosed endometriosis in couples initially diagnosed with male infertility and at least 3 failed previous IVF attempts, appears to be a promising approach efficiently addressing infertility for these patients while avoiding IVF overuse.
Alterations in Amygdala Connectivity in Internet Addiction Disorder
Authors: Cheng Hewei , Liu Jie
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have revealed structural and functional abnormalities in amygdala due to Internet addiction (IA) associated with emotional disturbance. However, the role of amygdala connectivity that is responsible for emotion-cognition interactions is largely unknown in IA. This study aims to explore the amygdala connectivity abnormalities in IA. The functional and structural connectivity of bilateral amygdala were examined using seed-based connectivity analysis, and the structural integrity on white mater tracts passing through amygdala was also examined. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between brain connectivity and duration of IA. We found that IA subjects had decreased negative functional connectivity (FC) between amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and had increased negative FC between amygdala and precuneus and superior occipital gyrus (SOG). While IA subjects had decreased positive FC between amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and had increased positive FC between amygdala and thalamus. The FC between left amygdala and right DLPFC had significant correlation with duration of IA. The structural connectivity and integrity between amygdala and ACC were also decreased in IA subjects. These findings indicate that the amygdala connectivity is altered in IA subjects. The altered FC of amygdala-DLPFC is associated with duration of IA.
Non-secretory renin reduces oxidative stress and increases cardiomyoblast survival during glucose and oxygen deprivation
Authors: Wanka Heike , Lutze Philipp , Staar Doreen , Albers Alexander , Bäumgen Inga , Grunow Bianka , Peters Jörg
Published: February 2020

Although the renin-angiotensin system usually promotes oxidative stress and cell death, renin transcripts have been discovered, whose transcription product may be cardioprotective. These transcripts encode a non-secretory renin isoform that is localized in the cytosol and within mitochondria. Here we tested the hypotheses that cytosolic renin [ren(2-9)] expression promotes cell survival under hypoxia and glucose depletion by preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mitigating the accumulation of ROS. To simulate ischemic insults, we exposed H9c2 cells to glucose deprivation, anoxia or to combined oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 24 hours and determined renin expression. Furthermore, H9c2 cells transfected with the empty pIRES vector (pIRES cells) or ren(2-9) cDNA-containing vector [ren(2-9) cells] were analyzed for cell death, ∆Ψm, ATP levels, accumulation of ROS, and cytosolic Ca2+ content. In pIRES cells, expression of ren(1A-9) was stimulated under all three ischemia-related conditions. After OGD, the cells lost their ∆Ψm and exhibited enhanced ROS accumulation, increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels, decreased ATP levels as well as increased cell death. In contrast, ren(2-9) cells were markedly protected from these effects. Ren(2-9) appears to represent a protective response to OGD by reducing ROS generation and preserving mitochondrial functions. Therefore, it is a promising new target for the prevention of ischemia-induced myocardial damage.
Synthesis, Bioevaluation, Structure-Activity Relationship and Docking Studies of Natural Product Inspired (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones as Highly Potent antioxidants and Antiplatelet agents
Authors: Shyamlal Bharti Rajesh Kumar , Yadav Lalit , Tiwari Mohit K. , Mathur Manas , Prikhodko Jaroslav I. , Mashevskaya Irina V. , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: February 2020

For the first time, a series of highly potent natural product inspired substituted (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones 28a-t, embraced with electron-withdrawing groups (EWG) and electron-donating groups (EDG) at site I and site II, were prepared and assessed for their in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH free radical scavenging assay) and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced antiplatelet activities using ascorbic acid (IC50 = 4.57 µg/mL) and aspirin (IC50 = 21.34 µg/mL), as standard references, respectively. In this study, compounds 28f-g, 28k-l and 28q have shown high order of in vitro antioxidant activity. Infact, 28f and 28k were found to show 10-folds and 8-folds more antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, respectively and was found to be the most active analogues of the series. Similarly, Compounds 28c-g, 28k-l, 28o and 28q-t were recognized as highly potent antiplatelet agents (upto 6-folds) than aspirin. Furthermore, in silico studies of the most active antioxidants 28f, 28k and 28l and very active antiplatelet molecules 28f, 28k, 28l and 28s were carrying out for the validation of the biological results. This is the first detailed study of the discovery of several (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones as highly potent antioxidants and antiplatelet agents.
Long-term observations from Antarctica demonstrate that mismatched scales of fisheries management and predator-prey interaction lead to erroneous conclusions about precaution
Authors: Watters George M. , Hinke Jefferson T. , Reiss Christian S.
Published: February 2020

Low catch limits for forage species are often considered to be precautionary measures that can help conserve marine predators. Difficulties measuring the impacts of fisheries removals on dependent predators maintain this perspective, but consideration of the spatio-temporal scales over which forage species, their predators, and fisheries interact can aid assessment of whether low catch limits are as precautionary as presumed. Antarctic krill are targeted by the largest fishery in the Southern Ocean and are key forage for numerous predators. Current krill removals are considered precautionary and have not been previously observed to affect krill-dependent predators, like penguins. Using a hierarchical model and 30+ years of monitoring data, we show that expected penguin performance was reduced when local harvest rates of krill were ≥0.1, and this effect was similar in magnitude to that of poor environmental conditions. With continued climate warming and high local harvest rates, future observations of penguin performance are predicted to be below the long-term mean with a probability of 0.77. Catch limits that are considered precautionary for forage species simply because the limit is a small proportion of the species’ standing biomass may not be precautionary for their predators.
Crystal Morphology Prediction and Anisotropic Evolution of 1,1-Diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) by Temperature Tuning
Authors: Song Liang , Zhao Feng-Qi , Xu Si-Yu , Ju Xue-Hai , Ye Cai-Chao
Published: February 2020

Temperature-induced morphological changes are one of the strategies for designing crystal shapes, but the role of temperature in enhancing or inhibiting crystal growth is not well understood yet. To meet the requirements of high density and low sensitivity, we need to control the crystal morphology of the energetic materials. We studied the crystal morphology of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene (FOX-7) in dimethyl sulfoxide/water mixed solvent by using the modified Hartman-Perdok theorem. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the interaction of FOX-7 and solvents. The results showed that the crystal shape of FOX-7 is hexagonal, the (101) face is the largest exposed face and is adjacent to six crystal faces at 354 K. As the temperature goes down, the area of the (001) face is significantly reduced. The crystal morphology of FOX-7 at 324 K has a smaller aspect ratio of 4.72, and this temperature is suitable for tuning the morphology from slender hexagon into diamond. The prediction results are in remarkable agreement with the experiments. Moreover, we predicted the evolution path of FOX-7 morphology by Gibbs-Curie-Wulff theorem and explained the variation of crystal shape caused by different external conditions in the actual crystallization process.
Analysis of brain connectivity during nitrous oxide sedation using graph theory
Authors: Lee Ji-Min , Kim Pil-Jong , Kim Hong-Gee , Hyun Hong-Keun , Kim Young Jae , Kim Jung-Wook , Shin Teo Jeon
Published: February 2020

Nitrous oxide, the least potent inhalation anesthetic, is widely used for conscious sedation. Recently, it has been reported that the occurrence of anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness decreases the interconnection between brain regions, resulting in brain network changes. However, few studies have investigated these changes in conscious sedation using nitrous oxide. Therefore, the present study aimed to use graph theory to analyze changes in brain networks during nitrous oxide sedation. Participants were 20 healthy volunteers (10 men and 10 women, 20–40 years old) with no history of systemic disease. We acquired electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of 32 channels during baseline, nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, and recovery. EEG epochs from the baseline and the sedation state (50% nitrous oxide) were extracted and analyzed with the network connection parameters of graph theory. Analysis of 1/f dynamics, revealed a steeper slope while in the sedation state than during the baseline. Network connectivity parameters showed significant differences between the baseline and sedation state, in delta, alpha1, alpha2, and beta2 frequency bands. The most pronounced differences in functional distance during nitrous oxide sedation were observed in the alpha1 and alpha2 frequency bands. Change in 1/f dynamics indicates that changes in brain network systems occur during nitrous oxide administration. Changes in network parameters imply that nitrous oxide interferes with the efficiency of information integration in the frequency bands important for cognitive processes and attention tasks. Alteration of brain network during nitrous oxide administration may be associated to the sedative mechanism of nitrous oxide.
Immune protection is dependent on the gut microbiome in a lethal mouse gammaherpesviral infection
Authors: Yaron Jordan R. , Ambadapadi Sriram , Zhang Liqiang , Chavan Ramani N. , Tibbetts Scott A. , Keinan Shahar , Varsani Arvind , Maldonado Juan , Kraberger Simona , Tafoya Amanda M. , Bullard Whitney L. , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Stern-Harbutte Alison , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa , Munk Barbara H. , Koppang Erling O. , Lim Efrem S. , Lucas Alexandra R.
Published: February 2020

Immunopathogenesis in systemic viral infections can induce a septic state with leaky capillary syndrome, disseminated coagulopathy, and high mortality with limited treatment options. Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) intraperitoneal infection is a gammaherpesvirus model for producing severe vasculitis, colitis and lethal hemorrhagic pneumonia in interferon gamma receptor-deficient (IFNγR−/−) mice. In prior work, treatment with myxomavirus-derived Serp-1 or a derivative peptide S-7 (G305TTASSDTAITLIPR319) induced immune protection, reduced disease severity and improved survival after MHV-68 infection. Here, we investigate the gut bacterial microbiome in MHV-68 infection. Antibiotic suppression markedly accelerated MHV-68 pathology causing pulmonary consolidation and hemorrhage, increased mortality and specific modification of gut microbiota. Serp-1 and S-7 reduced pulmonary pathology and detectable MHV-68 with increased CD3 and CD8 cells. Treatment efficacy was lost after antibiotic treatments with associated specific changes in the gut bacterial microbiota. In summary, transkingdom host-virus-microbiome interactions in gammaherpesvirus infection influences gammaherpesviral infection severity and reduces immune modulating therapeutic efficacy.
Scanning electron microscopy and machine learning reveal heterogeneity in capsular morphotypes of the human pathogen Cryptococcus spp.
Authors: Lopes William , Cruz Giuliano N. F. , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Vainstein Mendeli H. , Kmetzsch Livia , Staats Charley C. , Vainstein Marilene H. , Schrank Augusto
Published: February 2020

Phenotypic heterogeneity is an important trait for the development and survival of many microorganisms including the yeast Cryptococcus spp., a deadly pathogen spread worldwide. Here, we have applied scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to define four Cryptococcus spp. capsule morphotypes, namely Regular, Spiky, Bald, and Phantom. These morphotypes were persistently observed in varying proportions among yeast isolates. To assess the distribution of such morphotypes we implemented an automated pipeline capable of (1) identifying potentially cell-associated objects in the SEM-derived images; (2) computing object-level features; and (3) classifying these objects into their corresponding classes. The machine learning approach used a Random Forest (RF) classifier whose overall accuracy reached 85% on the test dataset, with per-class specificity above 90%, and sensitivity between 66 and 94%. Additionally, the RF model indicates that structural and texture features, e.g., object area, eccentricity, and contrast, are most relevant for classification. The RF results agree with the observed variation in these features, consistently also with visual inspection of SEM images. Finally, our work introduces morphological variants of Cryptococcus spp. capsule. These can be promptly identified and characterized using computational models so that future work may unveil morphological associations with yeast virulence.
Remote biosensor for the determination of trypsin by using nanoporous anodic alumina as a three-dimensional nanostructured material
Authors: Amouzadeh Tabrizi Mahmoud , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: February 2020

The determination of trypsin in the human real sample is a routine medical investigation to assess the pancreatic disease. Herein, we fabricated an interferometric reflectance spectroscopy based biosensor for the determination trypsin. For this purpose, urease and fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate (FLITC) were immobilized on the nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA). The operation principle of the proposed biosensor is based on the change in the pH of the solution during the reaction of urease and urea and therefore change in the light-absorbing ability of FLITC in the presence of trypsin. The reaction of the urease enzyme with urea increased the pH of the solution because of producing ammonia. This increase in the pH of solution increased the light-absorbing ability of the immobilized FLITC on NAA and therefore the intensity of the reflected light from the NAA to the charge-coupled device detector decreased. In the presence of trypsin, the catalytic activity of immobilized urease on NAA decreased. This decrease in the activity of urease enzyme consequent on the decrease in the amount of the generated ammonia. Therefore, the immobilized FLITC on the NAA did not absorb more light and consciously, the intensity of the light reflected light into the detector increased. The proposed biosensor exhibited a good response to the concentration of trypsin in the range of 0.25–20 μg.mL−1 with the limit of detection of 0.06 μg.mL−1.
Trait-Based Comparison of Coral and Sponge Microbiomes
Authors: Fiore Cara L. , Jarett Jessica K. , Steinert Georg , Lesser Michael P.
Published: February 2020

Corals and sponges harbor diverse microbial communities that are integral to the functioning of the host. While the taxonomic diversity of their microbiomes has been well-established for corals and sponges, their functional roles are less well-understood. It is unclear if the similarities of symbiosis in an invertebrate host would result in functionally similar microbiomes, or if differences in host phylogeny and environmentally driven microhabitats within each host would shape functionally distinct communities. Here we addressed this question, using metatranscriptomic and 16S rRNA gene profiling techniques to compare the microbiomes of two host organisms from different phyla. Our results indicate functional similarity in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur assimilation, and aerobic nitrogen cycling. Additionally, there were few statistical differences in pathway coverage or abundance between the two hosts. For example, we observed higher coverage of phosphonate and siderophore metabolic pathways in the star coral, Montastraea cavernosa, while there was higher coverage of chloroalkane metabolism in the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. Higher abundance of genes associated with carbon fixation pathways was also observed in M. cavernosa, while in X. muta there was higher abundance of fatty acid metabolic pathways. Metagenomic predictions based on 16S rRNA gene profiling analysis were similar, and there was high correlation between the metatranscriptome and metagenome predictions for both hosts. Our results highlight several metabolic pathways that exhibit functional similarity in these coral and sponge microbiomes despite the taxonomic differences between the two microbiomes, as well as potential specialization of some microbially based metabolism within each host.
A novel de novo variant of GABRA1 causes increased sensitivity for GABA in vitro
Authors: Steudle Friederike , Rehman Sabah , Bampali Konstantina , Simeone Xenia , Rona Zsofia , Hauser Erwin , Schmidt Wolfgang M. , Scholze Petra , Ernst Margot
Published: February 2020

The GABRA1 gene encodes one of the most conserved and highly expressed subunits of the GABAA receptor family. Variants in this gene are causatively implicated in different forms of epilepsy and also more severe epilepsy-related neurodevelopmental syndromes. Here we study functional consequences of a novel de novo missense GABRA1 variant, p.(Ala332Val), identified through exome sequencing in an individual affected by early-onset syndromic epileptic encephalopathy. The variant is localised within the transmembrane domain helix 3 (TM3) and in silico prediction algorithms suggested this variant to be likely pathogenic. In vitro assessment revealed unchanged protein levels, regular assembly and forward trafficking to the cell surface. On the functional level a significant left shift of the apparent GABA potency in two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology experiments was observed, as well as changes in the extent of desensitization. Additionally, apparent diazepam potency was left shifted in radioligand displacement assays. During prenatal development mainly alpha2/3 subunits are expressed, whereas after birth a switch to alpha1 occurs. The expression of alpha1 in humans is upregulated during the first years. Thus, the molecular change of function reported here supports pathogenicity and could explain early-onset of seizures in the affected individual.
Effects of exogenous testosterone application on network connectivity within emotion regulation systems
Authors: Votinov Mikhail , Wagels Lisa , Hoffstaedter Felix , Kellermann Thilo , Goerlich Katharina S. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Habel Ute
Published: February 2020

Studies with steroid hormones underlined the vital role of testosterone on social-emotional processing. However, there is still a lack of studies investigating whether testosterone modulates network connectivity during resting-state. Here, we tested how the exogenous application of testosterone would affect functional connectivity between regions implicated in emotion regulation. In total, 96 male participants underwent resting-state fMRI scanning. Before the measurement, half of the subjects received 5 g TestimTM gel (containing 50 mg testosterone) and the other half a corresponding amount of placebo gel. Seeds for the connectivity analysis were meta-analytically defined. First, all regions associated with emotion regulation were chosen via Neurosynth (data driven). Among those, specific seeds were selected and categorized based on the neural model of emotion regulation by Etkin and colleagues (Etkin et al., 2015) (theory-guided). Resting-state connectivity analysis revealed decreased connectivity between the right DLPFC and the right amygdala as well as between the VMPFC and the left IPL for the testosterone group compared to the placebo group. A complementary dynamic causal modeling (DCM) analysis on findings from the resting-state connectivity analysis underlined a bidirectional coupling which was decreased close to zero by testosterone administration. Our results demonstrate that testosterone administration disrupts resting-state connectivity within fronto-subcortical and fronto-parietal circuits. The findings suggest that even without a specific task (e.g. challenge, reward processing) testosterone modulates brain networks important for social-emotional processing.
Coexistence of the blaNDM-1-carrying plasmid pWLK-NDM and the blaKPC-2-carrying plasmid pWLK-KPC in a Raoultella ornithinolytica isolate
Authors: Dang Bingjun , Zhang Haoyang , Li Ziwei , Ma Shuanglong , Xu Zicheng
Published: February 2020

To date, blaNDM and blaKPC genes have been found predominantly in clinical settings around the world. In contrast, bacteria harbouring these two genes from natural environments are relatively less well studied compared to those found in clinical settings. In this study, a carbapenem-resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica strain, WLK218, was isolated from urban river sediment in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China. This isolate was subjected to PCR and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. PCR results showed that this isolate was positive for both the blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing results showed that this isolate exhibited resistance or intermediate resistance to all the antibiotics tested except for streptomycin (susceptible) and cefepime (susceptible-dose dependent). The complete genome sequence of the WLK218 isolate was then determined by using a combination of the PacBio and Illumina sequencing technologies. The de novo assembly of the genome generated one chromosome and six plasmids. Among the six plasmids, the blaNDM-1 gene was carried on the IncX3 plasmid pWLK-NDM, while the blaKPC-2 gene was located on the untypeable plasmid pWLK-KPC. This is the first report of an environmental Raoultella ornithinolytica isolate co-harbouring the blaNDM-1 and blaKPC-2 genes.
Chronic kidney disease attenuates the impact of obesity on quality of life
Authors: Suh Sang Heon , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Lee Dae Ho , Kim Soo Wan
Published: February 2020

The impact of obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) population has not been elucidated, despite the impairment of HRQoL in the obese among general population. We hypothesized that the impact of obesity on HRQoL might be confounded by impaired renal function in CKD population, and that CKD would attenuate the impact of obesity on HRQoL. To compare the impact of obesity on HRQoL according to kidney function, 17,001 subjects from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011) were categorized by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as follows: group 1, eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2; group 2, eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2; group 3, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The association between obesity parameters (body mass index, waist circumference and, truncal fat mass) and HRQoL parameters (EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Despite robust correlations between obesity parameters and low EQ-5D index or EQ-VAS in general population, no significant association was observed in group 3 population. Impact of obesity on HRQoL in CKD population was only limitedly observed in the mobility domain of EQ-5D, as mobility limitation was associated with increased body mass index or waist circumference regardless of kidney function. Therefore, the impact of obesity on HRQoL seems significantly attenuated in CKD population, suggesting that the risk of obesity should not be over-estimated in patients with CKD, especially with respect to HRQoL.
A Bayesian predictive approach for dealing with pseudoreplication
Authors: Lazic Stanley E. , Mellor Jack R. , Ashby Michael C. , Munafo Marcus R.
Published: February 2020

Pseudoreplication occurs when the number of measured values or data points exceeds the number of genuine replicates, and when the statistical analysis treats all data points as independent and thus fully contributing to the result. By artificially inflating the sample size, pseudoreplication contributes to irreproducibility, and it is a pervasive problem in biological research. In some fields, more than half of published experiments have pseudoreplication – making it one of the biggest threats to inferential validity. Researchers may be reluctant to use appropriate statistical methods if their hypothesis is about the pseudoreplicates and not the genuine replicates; for example, when an intervention is applied to pregnant female rodents (genuine replicates) but the hypothesis is about the effect on the multiple offspring (pseudoreplicates). We propose using a Bayesian predictive approach, which enables researchers to make valid inferences about biological entities of interest, even if they are pseudoreplicates, and show the benefits of this approach using two in vivo data sets.
A novel vibriophage exhibits inhibitory activity against host protein synthesis machinery
Authors: Thammatinna Khrongkhwan , Egan MacKennon E. , Htoo Htut Htut , Khanna Kanika , Sugie Joseph , Nideffer Jason F. , Villa Elizabeth , Tassanakajon Anchalee , Pogliano Joe , Nonejuie Poochit , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon
Published: February 2020

Since the emergence of deadly pathogens and multidrug-resistant bacteria at an alarmingly increased rate, bacteriophages have been developed as a controlling bioagent to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria. One of these pathogens, disease-causingVibrio parahaemolyticus(VPAHPND) which induces acute hepatopancreatic necrosis, is considered one of the deadliest shrimp pathogens, and has recently become resistant to various classes of antibiotics. Here, we discovered a novel vibriophage that specifically targets the vibrio host, VPAHPND. The vibriophage, designated Seahorse, was classified in the familySiphoviridaebecause of its icosahedral capsid surrounded by head fibers and a non-contractile long tail. Phage Seahorse was able to infect the host in a broad range of pH and temperatures, and it had a relatively short latent period (nearly 30 minutes) in which it produced progeny at 72 particles per cell at the end of its lytic cycle. Upon phage infection, the host nucleoid condensed and became toroidal, similar to the bacterial DNA morphology seen during tetracycline treatment, suggesting that phage Seahorse hijacked host biosynthesis pathways through protein translation. As phage Seahorse genome encodes 48 open reading frames with many hypothetical proteins, this genome could be a potential untapped resource for the discovery of phage-derived therapeutic proteins.
Author Correction: Proteolysis of the low density lipoprotein receptor by bone morphogenetic protein-1 regulates cellular cholesterol uptake
Authors: Banerjee Sreemoti , Andrew Robert J. , Duff Christopher J. , Fisher Kate , Jackson Carolyn D. , Lawrence Catherine B. , Maeda Nobuyo , Greenspan Daniel S. , Kellett Katherine A. B. , Hooper Nigel M.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: A mutation in the methionine aminopeptidase gene provides phage resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Labrie Simon J. , Mosterd Cas , Loignon Stéphanie , Dupuis Marie-Ève , Desjardins Philippe , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Tremblay Denise M. , Romero Dennis A. , Horvath Philippe , Fremaux Christophe , Moineau Sylvain
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Spectral hallmark of auditory-tactile interactions in the mouse somatosensory cortex
Authors: Zhang Manning , Kwon Sung Eun , Ben-Johny Manu , O’Connor Daniel H. , Issa John B.
Published: February 2020

To synthesize a coherent representation of the external world, the brain must integrate inputs across different types of stimuli. Yet the mechanistic basis of this computation at the level of neuronal populations remains obscure. Here, we investigate tactile-auditory integration using two-photon Ca2+ imaging in the mouse primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices. Pairing sound with whisker stimulation modulates tactile responses in both S1 and S2, with the most prominent modulation being robust inhibition in S2. The degree of inhibition depends on tactile stimulation frequency, with lower frequency responses the most severely attenuated. Alongside these neurons, we identify sound-selective neurons in S2 whose responses are inhibited by high tactile frequencies. These results are consistent with a hypothesized local mutually-inhibitory S2 circuit that spectrally selects tactile versus auditory inputs. Our findings enrich mechanistic understanding of multisensory integration and suggest a key role for S2 in combining auditory and tactile information.
CRISPR/Cas12a technology combined with immunochromatographic strips for portable detection of African swine fever virus
Authors: Wang Xinjie , Ji Pinpin , Fan Huiying , Dang Lu , Wan Wenwei , Liu Siyuan , Li Yanhua , Yu Wenxia , Li Xiangyang , Ma Xiaodong , Ma Xu , Zhao Qin , Huang Xingxu , Liao Ming
Published: February 2020

African swine fever virus (ASFV), the aetiological agent of African swine fever (ASF), causes lethal haemorrhagic fever in domestic pigs with high mortality and morbidity and has devastating consequences on the global swine industry. On-site rapid and sensitive detection of ASFV is key to the timely implementation of control. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive and instrument-free ASFV detection method based on CRISPR/Cas12a technology and lateral flow detection (named CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD). The limit of detection of CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD is 20 copies of ASFV genomic DNA per reaction, and the detection process can be completed in an hour. The assay showed no cross-reactivity with other swine DNA viruses, and has 100% agreement with real-time PCR detection of ASFV in 149 clinical samples. Overall, the CRISPR/Cas12a-LFD method provides a novel alternative for the portable, simple, sensitive, and specific detection of ASFV and may contribute to the prevention and control of ASF outbreaks.
Diversified AIE and mechanochromic luminescence based on carbazole derivative decorated dicyanovinyl groups: effects of substitution sites and molecular packing
Authors: Wang Kai , Xiao Hui , Qian Li , Han Mingxi , Wu Xianfeng , Guo Zhiyong , Zhan Hongbing
Published: February 2020

Two positional isomers exhibited noticeable different luminescence properties, which were mainly attributed to their different molecular packing modes.
Enhanced piezoelectric and acoustic performances of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) films for hydroacoustic applications
Authors: Zhou Zhenji , Li Jinglei , Xia Weimin , Zhu Xuan , Sun Tao , Cao Congjun , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2020

Concerning the study of flexible piezoelectric devices, P(VDF-TrFE) shows more merits than OPVDF in piezoelectric and acoustic performances for hydroacoustic applications.
Co-encapsulation of slow release compounds andRhodococcus rhodochrousATCC 21198 in gellan gum beads to promote the long-term aerobic cometabolic transformation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane,cis-1,2-dichloroethene and 1,4-dioxane
Authors: Rasmussen Mitchell T. , Saito Alyssa M. , Hyman Michael R. , Semprini Lewis
Published: February 2020

Presented here is a novel approach where passive long-term cometabolic treatment can be achieved by co-encapsulating in a gellan gum hydrogel a pure bacterial culture and a slow release compound that hydrolyses to produce a growth-supporting substrate.
A new voltammetric immunosensing platform for prostate-specific antigen based on the Cu(ii)-pyrophosphate ion chelation reaction
Authors: Xie Shuping , Li Bin , Lyu Peng , Kwok Hang Fai , Ge Lilin , Wu Qinan
Published: February 2020

An electrochemical immunoassay was designed to detect prostate-specific antigenviapyrophosphatase-hydrolysed Cu(ii)-coordinated pyrophosphate ion with the capture of the releasing Cu(ii) ion.
Coordination control of a semicarbazide Schiff base ligand for spontaneous aggregation of a Ni2Ln2 cubane family: influence of ligand arms and carboxylate bridges on the organization of the magnetic core
Authors: Biswas Mousumi , Sañudo E. Carolina , Cirera Jordi , Ray Debashis
Published: February 2020

A new family of tetranuclear [Ni2Ln2O4] cubane complexes has been assembled from carbazido ligand by altering the 4f ions without changing the core topology, which provided weak ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions.
Multiscale-structured superhydrophobic/superoleophilic SiO2 composite poly(ether sulfone) membranes with high efficiency and flux for water-in-oil emulsions separation under harsh conditions
Authors: Chen Rui , Xu Jiuduo , Li Shu , Li Qiang , Wu Han , He Qingxia , Wang Zhengyang , Weng Fengyu , Mu Jianxin
Published: February 2020

Multiscale-structured SiO2 composite poly(ether sulfone) membranes (MSiCPESMs) are facilely prepared via the methods of nonsolvent induced phase separation and sol–gel.
Etching high-Fe-content PtPdFe nanoparticles as efficient catalysts towards glycerol electrooxidation
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Jing Wangli , Tan Ting , Liu Xianyi , Kang Yumao , Wang Wei
Published: February 2020

Great effort has been made to improve the activity and stability, as well as increase the utilization efficiency of noble metal-based electrocatalysts.
Photon induced quantum yield regeneration of cap-exchanged CdSe/CdS quantum rods for ratiometric biosensing and cellular imaging
Authors: Wang Weili , Kong Yifei , Jiang Jun , Tian Xin , Li Shuang , Akshath Uchangi Satyaprasad , Tiede Christian , Hondow Nicole , Yu Anchi , Guo Yuan , Zhou Dejian
Published: February 2020

A new photon activation method is developed to regenerate CdSe/CdS quantum rod fluorescence for biosensing and imaging applications.
A robust Mn@FeNi-S/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a high-efficiency catalyst for the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Manavalan Shaktivel , Ganesamurthi Jaysiva , Chen Shen-Ming , Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Murugan Keerthi
Published: February 2020

Synthesis procedure of a Mn@FeNi-S/GO nanocomposite and its characterization and electrocatalytic performance.