bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel PKC activating molecule promotes neuroblast differentiation and delivery of newborn neurons in brain injuries
Authors: Domínguez-García Samuel , Geribaldi-Doldán Noelia , Gómez-Oliva Ricardo , Ruiz Felix A. , Carrascal Livia , Bolívar Jorge , Verástegui Cristina , Garcia-Alloza Monica , Macías-Sánchez Antonio J. , Hernández-Galán Rosario , Nunez-Abades Pedro , Castro Carmen
Published: April 2020

Neural stem cells are activated within neurogenic niches in response to brain injuries. This results in the production of neuroblasts, which unsuccessfully attempt to migrate toward the damaged tissue. Injuries constitute a gliogenic/non-neurogenic niche generated by the presence of anti-neurogenic signals, which impair neuronal differentiation and migration. Kinases of the protein kinase C (PKC) family mediate the release of growth factors that participate in different steps of the neurogenic process, particularly, novel PKC isozymes facilitate the release of the neurogenic growth factor neuregulin. We have demonstrated herein that a plant derived diterpene, (EOF2; CAS number 2230806-06-9), with the capacity to activate PKC facilitates the release of neuregulin 1, and promotes neuroblasts differentiation and survival in cultures of subventricular zone (SVZ) isolated cells in a novel PKC dependent manner. Local infusion of this compound in mechanical cortical injuries induces neuroblast enrichment within the perilesional area, and noninvasive intranasal administration of EOF2 promotes migration of neuroblasts from the SVZ towards the injury, allowing their survival and differentiation into mature neurons, being some of them cholinergic and GABAergic. Our results elucidate the mechanism of EOF2 promoting neurogenesis in injuries and highlight the role of novel PKC isozymes as targets in brain injury regeneration.
How does mTOR sense glucose starvation? AMPK is the usual suspect
Authors: Leprivier Gabriel , Rotblat Barak
Published: April 2020

Glucose is a major requirement for biological life. Its concentration is constantly sensed at the cellular level, allowing for adequate responses to any changes of glucose availability. Such responses are mediated by key sensors and signaling pathway components that adapt cellular metabolism to glucose levels. One of the major hubs of these responses is mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, which forms the mTORC1 and mTORC2 protein complexes. Under physiological glucose concentrations, mTORC1 is activated and stimulates a number of proteins and enzymes involved in anabolic processes, while restricting the autophagic process. Conversely, when glucose levels are low, mTORC1 is inhibited, in turn leading to the repression of numerous anabolic processes, sparing ATP and antioxidants. Understanding how mTORC1 activity is regulated by glucose is not only important to better delineate the biological function of mTOR, but also to highlight potential therapeutic strategies for treating diseases characterized by deregulated glucose availability, as is the case of cancer. In this perspective, we depict the different sensors and upstream proteins responsible of controlling mTORC1 activity in response to changes in glucose concentration. This includes the major energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as well as other independent players. The impact of such modes of regulation of mTORC1 on cellular processes is also discussed.
AAV-mediated cardiac gene transfer of wild-type desmin in mouse models for recessive desminopathies
Authors: Ruppert T. , Heckmann M. B. , Rapti K. , Schultheis D. , Jungmann A. , Katus H. A. , Winter L. , Frey N. , Clemen C. S. , Schröder R. , Müller O. J.
Published: April 2020

Mutations in the human desmin gene cause autosomal-dominant and recessive cardiomyopathies and myopathies with marked phenotypic variability. Here, we investigated the effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated cardiac wild-type desmin expression in homozygous desmin knockout (DKO) and homozygous R349P desmin knockin (DKI) mice. These mice serve as disease models for two subforms of autosomal-recessive desminopathies, the former for the one with a complete lack of desmin protein and the latter for the one with solely mutant desmin protein expression in conjunction with protein aggregation pathology in striated muscle. Two-month-old mice were injected with either a single dose of 5 × 1012 AAV9-hTNT2-mDes (AAV-Des) vector genomes or NaCl as control. One week after injection, mice were subjected to a forced swimming exercise protocol for 4 weeks. Cardiac function was monitored over a period of 15 month after injection and before the mice were sacrificed for biochemical and morphological analysis. AAV-mediated cardiac expression of wild-type desmin in both the homozygous DKO and DKI backgrounds reached levels seen in wild-type mice. Notably, AAV-Des treated DKO mice showed a regular subcellular distribution of desmin as well as a normalization of functional and morphological cardiac parameters. Treated DKI mice, however, showed an aberrant subcellular localization of desmin, unchanged functional cardiac parameters, and a trend toward an increased cardiac fibrosis. In conclusion, the effect of a high-dose AAV9-based desmin gene therapy is highly beneficial for the heart in DKO animals, but not in DKI mice.
Proteasome inhibitor-induced modulation reveals the spliceosome as a specific therapeutic vulnerability in multiple myeloma
Authors: Huang Hector H. , Ferguson Ian D. , Thornton Alexis M. , Bastola Prabhakar , Lam Christine , Lin Yu-Hsiu T. , Choudhry Priya , Mariano Margarette C. , Marcoulis Makeba D. , Teo Chin Fen , Malato Julia , Phojanakong Paul J. , Martin Thomas G. , Wolf Jeffrey L. , Wong Sandy W. , Shah Nina , Hann Byron , Brooks Angela N. , Wiita Arun P.
Published: April 2020

Enhancing the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors (PI) is a central goal in myeloma therapy. We proposed that signaling-level responses after PI may reveal new mechanisms of action that can be therapeutically exploited. Unbiased phosphoproteomics after treatment with the PI carfilzomib surprisingly demonstrates the most prominent phosphorylation changes on splicing related proteins. Spliceosome modulation is invisible to RNA or protein abundance alone. Transcriptome analysis after PI demonstrates broad-scale intron retention, suggestive of spliceosome interference, as well as specific alternative splicing of protein homeostasis machinery components. These findings lead us to evaluate direct spliceosome inhibition in myeloma, which synergizes with carfilzomib and shows potent anti-tumor activity. Functional genomics and exome sequencing further support the spliceosome as a specific vulnerability in myeloma. Our results propose splicing interference as an unrecognized modality of PI mechanism, reveal additional modes of spliceosome modulation, and suggest spliceosome targeting as a promising therapeutic strategy in myeloma.
Development of a thermophilic coculture for corn fiber conversion to ethanol
Authors: Beri Dhananjay , York William S. , Lynd Lee R. , Peña Maria J. , Herring Christopher D.
Published: April 2020

The fiber in corn kernels, currently unutilized in the corn to ethanol process, represents an opportunity for introduction of cellulose conversion technology. We report here that Clostridium thermocellum can solubilize over 90% of the carbohydrate in autoclaved corn fiber, including its hemicellulose component glucuronoarabinoxylan (GAX). However, Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum or several other described hemicellulose-fermenting thermophilic bacteria can only partially utilize this GAX. We describe the isolation of a previously undescribed organism, Herbinix spp. strain LL1355, from a thermophilic microbiome that can consume 85% of the recalcitrant GAX. We sequence its genome, and based on structural analysis of the GAX, identify six enzymes that hydrolyze GAX linkages. Combinations of up to four enzymes are successfully expressed in T. thermosaccharolyticum. Supplementation with these enzymes allows T. thermosaccharolyticum to consume 78% of the GAX compared to 53% by the parent strain and increases ethanol yield from corn fiber by 24%.
A BET family protein degrader provokes senolysis by targeting NHEJ and autophagy in senescent cells
Authors: Wakita Masahiro , Takahashi Akiko , Sano Osamu , Loo Tze Mun , Imai Yoshinori , Narukawa Megumi , Iwata Hidehisa , Matsudaira Tatsuyuki , Kawamoto Shimpei , Ohtani Naoko , Yoshimori Tamotsu , Hara Eiji
Published: April 2020

Although cellular senescence acts primarily as a tumour suppression mechanism, the accumulation of senescent cells in vivo eventually exerts deleterious side effects through inflammatory/tumour-promoting factor secretion. Thus, the development of new drugs that cause the specific elimination of senescent cells, termed senolysis, is anticipated. Here, by an unbiased high-throughput screening of chemical compounds and a bio-functional analysis, we identify BET family protein degrader (BETd) as a promising senolytic drug. BETd provokes senolysis through two independent but integrated pathways; the attenuation of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and the up-regulation of autophagic gene expression. BETd treatment eliminates senescent hepatic stellate cells in obese mouse livers, accompanied by the reduction of liver cancer development. Furthermore, the elimination of chemotherapy-induced senescent cells by BETd increases the efficacy of chemotherapy against xenograft tumours in immunocompromised mice. These results reveal the vulnerability of senescent cells and open up possibilities for its control.
Deep learning enables structured illumination microscopy with low light levels and enhanced speed
Authors: Jin Luhong , Liu Bei , Zhao Fenqiang , Hahn Stephen , Dong Bowei , Song Ruiyan , Elston Timothy C. , Xu Yingke , Hahn Klaus M.
Published: April 2020

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) surpasses the optical diffraction limit and offers a two-fold enhancement in resolution over diffraction limited microscopy. However, it requires both intense illumination and multiple acquisitions to produce a single high-resolution image. Using deep learning to augment SIM, we obtain a five-fold reduction in the number of raw images required for super-resolution SIM, and generate images under extreme low light conditions (at least 100× fewer photons). We validate the performance of deep neural networks on different cellular structures and achieve multi-color, live-cell super-resolution imaging with greatly reduced photobleaching.
Author Correction: Molecular vibrations reduce the maximum achievable photovoltage in organic solar cells
Authors: Panhans Michel , Hutsch Sebastian , Benduhn Johannes , Schellhammer Karl Sebastian , Nikolis Vasileios C. , Vangerven Tim , Vandewal Koen , Ortmann Frank
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
CD8+ regulatory T cells are critical in prevention of autoimmune-mediated diabetes
Authors: Shimokawa Chikako , Kato Tamotsu , Takeuchi Tadashi , Ohshima Noriyasu , Furuki Takao , Ohtsu Yoshiaki , Suzue Kazutomo , Imai Takashi , Obi Seiji , Olia Alex , Izumi Takashi , Sakurai Minoru , Arakawa Hirokazu , Ohno Hiroshi , Hisaeda Hajime
Published: April 2020

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells are destroyed. Intestinal helminths can cause asymptomatic chronic and immunosuppressive infections and suppress disease in rodent models of T1D. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms for this protection are unclear. Here, we report that CD8+regulatory T (Treg) cells prevent the onset of streptozotocin -induced diabetes by a rodent intestinal nematode. Trehalose derived from nematodes affects the intestinal microbiota and increases the abundance ofRuminococcusspp., resulting in the induction of CD8+Treg cells. Furthermore, trehalose has therapeutic effects on both streptozotocin-induced diabetes and in the NOD mouse model of T1D. In addition, compared with healthy volunteers, patients with T1D have fewer CD8+Treg cells, and the abundance of intestinalRuminococcuspositively correlates with the number of CD8+Treg cells in humans.
Publisher Correction: East Siberian Arctic inland waters emit mostly contemporary carbon
Authors: Dean Joshua F. , Meisel Ove H. , Rosco Melanie Martyn , Marchesini Luca Belelli , Garnett Mark H. , Lenderink Henk , van Logtestijn Richard , Borges Alberto V. , Bouillon Steven , Lambert Thibault , Röckmann Thomas , Maximov Trofim , Petrov Roman , Karsanaev Sergei , Aerts Rien , van Huissteden Jacobus , Vonk Jorien E. , Dolman A. Johannes
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Comparison of Alterations in miRNA Expression in Matched Tissue and Blood Samples during Spinal Cord Glioma Progression
Authors: An Tian , Fan Tao , Zhang Xin Qing , Liu Yu-Fei , Huang Jiangpinghao , Liang Cong , Lv Bo-Han , Wang Yin-Qian , Zhao Xin-Gang , Liu Jia-Xian , Fu Yu-Huan , Jiang Guang-Jian
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Effects of a low-head weir on multi-scaled movement and behavior of three riverine fish species
Authors: Carpenter-Bundhoo Luke , Butler Gavin L. , Bond Nick R. , Bunn Stuart E. , Reinfelds Ivars V. , Kennard Mark J.
Published: April 2020

Despite providing considerable benefits to society, dams and weirs threaten riverine ecosystems by disrupting movement and migration of aquatic animals and degrading riverine habitats. Whilst the ecological impacts of large dams are well studied, the ecological effects of low-head weirs that are periodically drowned out by high flows are less well-understood. Here we examine the effects of a low-head weir on fine- and broad-scale movements, habitat use, and breeding behaviour of three species of native freshwater fish in the Nymboida River in coastal eastern Australia. Acoustic telemetry revealed that eastern freshwater cod (Maccullochella ikei) and eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus) made few large-scale movements, but Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata) upstream of the weir were significantly more mobile than those below the weir. Within the weir pool, all three species displayed distinctive patterns in fine-scale movement behaviour that were likely related the deeper lentic environment created by the weir. No individuals of any species crossed the weir during the study period. Tandanus tandanus nesting behaviour varied greatly above and below the weir, where individuals in the more lentic upstream environment nested in potentially sub-optimal habitats. Our results demonstrate the potential effects of low-head weirs on movement and behaviour of freshwater fishes.
Effect of modeling porous media on the response of gamma-gamma well-logging tool
Authors: Rasouli Fatemeh S. , Masoudi S. Farhad
Published: April 2020

The well logging is known as a technique of making petrophysical measurements in the sub-surface earth formations through a drilled borehole to reach the characterization of the physical properties of rocks and fluids. Considering the fact that reservoirs are complex fractured media which the fluid can flow through the porosities, the distribution model of oil in the medium needs to be investigated in detail and to be well quantified. To study this effect, a typical gamma-gamma logging tool containing 137Cs source and two NaI detectors was modeled by using the MCNPX code. The medium was filled with numerous matrix-shaped blocks, each including rectangular cubes for modeling the oil flow in the formation. For an arbitrary set of oil concentrations and various formation materials, the response of the detectors for this model was studied. Taking into account the results corresponding to the traditional homogeneous mixture model for the formation, it was found that the deviations between the count rates for two models reach to about 10% and 22% for short spacing and far spacing detectors, respectively. The results also show that the slopes of the straight-line fits to the count rates, which is important for the evaluation of the density, deviate between about 73.3% and 53.8% for two simulated models. Investigating the effect of the presence of the drilling fluid on the count rate of the proposed model showed that for a given thickness of mudcake and the formation density, both detectors show approximately the same percentage of change in counting rate. However, these counts for the proposed model deviate from those of the mixture model between 5.1% and 28%. It can be concluded that defining a model for describing heterogeneities of a natural porous medium can effectively account for the prediction of density measurement in logging tools.
Coalescing Majorana edge modes in non-Hermitian $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$-symmetric Kitaev chain
Authors: Li C. , Jin L. , Song Z.
Published: April 2020

A single unit cell contains all the information about the bulk system, including the topological feature. The topological invariant can be extracted from a finite system, which consists of several unit cells under certain environment, such as a non-Hermitian external field. We present an exact solvable non-Hermitian finite-size Kitaev chain with $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$PT-symmetric chemical potentials at the symmetric point. The straightforward calculation shows that there are two kinds of Majorana edge modes in this model divided by $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$PT symmetry-broken and unbroken. The one appeared in the $${\mathscr{P}}{\mathscr{T}}$$PT symmetry-unbroken region can be seen as the finite-size projection of the conventional degenerate zero modes in a Hermitian infinite system with the open boundary condition. It indicates a possible variant of the bulk-edge correspondence: The number of Majorana edge modes in a finite non-Hermitian system can be the topological invariant to identify the topological phase of the corresponding bulk Hermitian system.
Relationship between radiocaesium in muscle and physicochemical fractions of radiocaesium in the stomach of wild boar
Authors: Saito Rie , Nemoto Yui , Tsukada Hirofumi
Published: April 2020

After the accident at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011, it became important to study radiation dynamics, assess internal radiation exposure and specify factors affecting radionuclide variation in wildlife. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate which physicochemical fractions of radiocaesium (137Cs) are absorbed from ingested material in species with high activity concentrations of 137Cs, such as wild boar. This study analysed the physicochemical fractions of 137Cs in the stomach contents of wild boar to evaluate the transfer from ingested food to muscle. The 137Cs activity concentration in muscle showed a significantly positive relationship with the 137Cs activity concentration in the exchangeable fraction, and the sum of the 137Cs activity concentrations in the exchangeable and bound to organic matter fractions. Seasonal variations were also found in the 137Cs activity concentration in the exchangeable fraction, and the sum of the 137Cs activity concentrations in the exchangeable and bound to organic matter fractions. These findings suggest that the proportions of the physicochemical fractions of 137Cs in the exchangeable and bound to organic matter fractions in the stomach contents are important factors affecting the increases and seasonal dynamics of the activity concentrations of 137Cs in wild boar muscle.
Effect of self-assembling peptide P11-4 on orthodontic treatment-induced carious lesions
Authors: Welk A. , Ratzmann A. , Reich M. , Krey K. F. , Schwahn Ch.
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-assembling peptide P11-4 (SAP) in the therapy of initial smooth surface caries (white spot lesions, WSL) following orthodontic multibracket treatment. Twenty-three patients (13f/10m; average age 15.4 years) with at least two teeth with WSL were recruited for the randomised controlled clinical trial with split-mouth design. In opposite to the control teeth, the test teeth were treated with SAP on Day 0. The primary endpoint was the impedance measurement of WSL using customised tray to ensure reproducibility of the measurement location. The secondary endpoint was the morphometric measurement of WSL using a semi-automated approach to determine the WSL size in mm2. Treatment effects were adjusted for site-specific baseline values using mixed models adapted from the cross-over design. Test WSL showed a mean baseline impedance value of 46.7, which decreased to 21.1, 18.4, and 19.7 after 45, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Control WSL showed a mean baseline value of 42.0, which decreased to 35.0, 29.5, and 33.7, respectively. The overall treatment contrast was −13.7 (95% CI: −19.6 – −7.7; p < 0.001). For the secondary endpoint, the test WSL size decreased from 8.8 at baseline to 6.5 after 180 days. The control WSL decreased from 6.8 to 5.7, respectively. The related treatment contrast was −1.0 in favour of test WSL (95% CI: −1.6 – −0.5; p = 0.004). The treatment of initial carious lesions with self-assembling peptide P11−4 leads to superior remineralisation of the subsurface lesions compared with the control teeth.
Store-operated Ca2+ entry in primary murine lung fibroblasts is independent of classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels and contributes to cell migration
Authors: Bendiks Larissa , Geiger Fabienne , Gudermann Thomas , Feske Stefan , Dietrich Alexander
Published: April 2020

Stromal interaction molecules (STIM1, 2) are acting as sensors for Ca2+ in intracellular stores and activate Orai channels at the plasma membrane for store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), while classical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel mediate receptor-operated Ca2+ entry (ROCE). Several reports, however, indicate a role for TRPC in SOCE in certain cell types. Here, we analyzed Ca2+ influx and cell function in TRPC1/6-deficient (TRPC1/6−/−) and STIM1/2- deficient (STIM1/2ΔpmLF) primary murine lung fibroblasts (pmLF). As expected, SOCE was decreased in STIM1/2- deficient pmLF and ROCE was decreased in TRPC1/6−/− pmLF compared to control cells. By contrast, SOCE was not significantly different in TRPC1/6−/− pmLF and ROCE was similar in STIM1/2-deficient pmLF compared to Wt cells. Most interestingly, cell proliferation, migration and nuclear localization of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1 and c3) were decreased after ablation of STIM1/2 proteins in pmLF. In conclusion, TRPC1/6 channels are not involved in SOCE and STIM1/2 deficiency resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration in pmLF.
Multiple differences in pathogen-host cell interactions following a bacterial host shift
Authors: Dowling Andrea J. , Hill Geoffrey E. , Bonneaud Camille
Published: April 2020

Novel disease emergence is often associated with changes in pathogen traits that enable pathogen colonisation, persistence and transmission in the novel host environment. While understanding the mechanisms underlying disease emergence is likely to have critical implications for preventing infectious outbreaks, such knowledge is often based on studies of viral pathogens, despite the fact that bacterial pathogens may exhibit very different life histories. Here, we investigate the ability of epizootic outbreak strains of the bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, which jumped from poultry into North American house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), to interact with model avian cells. We found that house finch epizootic outbreak strains of M. gallisepticum displayed a greater ability to adhere to, invade, persist within and exit from cultured chicken embryonic fibroblasts, than the reference virulent (R_low) and attenuated (R_high) poultry strains. Furthermore, unlike the poultry strains, the house finch epizootic outbreak strain HF_1994 displayed a striking lack of cytotoxicity, even exerting a cytoprotective effect on avian cells. Our results suggest that, at epizootic outbreak in house finches, M. gallisepticum was particularly adept at using the intra-cellular environment, which may have facilitated colonisation, dissemination and immune evasion within the novel finch host. Whether this high-invasion phenotype is similarly displayed in interactions with house finch cells, and whether it contributed to the success of the host shift, remains to be determined.
Ultra-Miniature Circularly Polarized CPW-Fed Implantable Antenna Design and its Validation for Biotelemetry Applications
Authors: Kaim Vikrant , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Kumar Sachin , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook , Rambabu Karumudi
Published: April 2020

The paper presents a coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed ultra-miniaturized patch antenna operating in Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band (2.4–2.5 GHz) for biotelemetry applications. The proposed antenna structure is circular in shape and its ground plane is loaded with a pair of slots for obtaining circular polarization. In the proposed design, asymmetric square slots generate phase condition for right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiation. And, by merely changing the position of the slots, either RHCP or left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) radiation can be excited. In the proposed design, a meandered central strip is used for miniaturization. The simulations of the proposed antenna are carried out using Ansys HFSS software with a single-layer and multilayer human tissue models. The antenna shows good performance for different tissue properties owing to its wide axial ratio bandwidth and impedance bandwidth. The antenna is fabricated and measurements are carried out in skin mimicking phantom and pork. Simulated and measured performances of the antenna are in close agreement. The power link budget is also calculated using an exterior circularly polarized (CP) receiving antenna.
Impacts of Saharan Dust Intrusions on Bacterial Communities of the Low Troposphere
Authors: González-Toril Elena , Osuna Susana , Viúdez-Moreiras Daniel , Navarro-Cid Ivan , Toro Silvia Díaz del , Sor Suthyvann , Bardera Rafael , Puente-Sánchez Fernando , de Diego-Castilla Graciela , Aguilera Ángeles
Published: April 2020

We have analyzed the bacterial community of a large Saharan dust event in the Iberian Peninsula and, for the first time, we offer new insights regarding the bacterial distribution at different altitudes of the lower troposphere and the replacement of the microbial airborne structure as the dust event receeds. Samples from different open-air altitudes (surface, 100 m and 3 km), were obtained onboard the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) C-212 aircrafts. Samples were collected during dust and dust-free air masses as well two weeks after the dust event. Samples related in height or time scale seems to show more similar community composition patterns compared with unrelated samples. The most abundant bacterial species during the dust event, grouped in three different phyla: (a) Proteobacteria: Rhizobiales, Sphingomonadales, Rhodobacterales, (b) Actinobacteria: Geodermatophilaceae; (c) Firmicutes: Bacillaceae. Most of these taxa are well known for being extremely stress-resistant. After the dust intrusion, Rhizobium was the most abundant genus, (40–90% total sequences). Samples taken during the flights carried out 15 days after the dust event were much more similar to the dust event samples compared with the remaining samples. In this case, Brevundimonas, and Methylobacterium as well as Cupriavidus and Mesorizobium were the most abundant genera.
The Lipid Paradox is present in ST-elevation but not in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients: Insights from the Singapore Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Sia Ching-Hui , Zheng Huili , Ho Andrew Fu-Wah , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Chong Jun , Foo David , Foo Ling-Li , Lim Patrick Zhan Yun , Liew Boon Wah , Tan Huay-Cheem , Yeo Tiong-Cheng , Chua Terrance Siang Jin , Chan Mark Yan-Yee , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: April 2020

Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels form the cornerstone approach of cardiovascular risk reduction, and a higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) is thought to be protective. However, in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, higher admission LDL-C and TG levels have been shown to be associated with better clinical outcomes - termed the ‘lipid paradox’. We studied the relationship between lipid profile obtained within 72 hours of presentation, and all-cause mortality (during hospitalization, at 30-days and 12-months), and rehospitalization for heart failure and non-fatal AMI at 12-months in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We included 11543 STEMI and 8470 NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI in the Singapore Myocardial Infarction Registry between 2008–2015. NSTEMI patients were older (60.3 years vs 57.7 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to be female (22.4% vs 15.0%, p < 0.001). In NSTEMI, a lower LDL-C was paradoxically associated with worse outcomes for death during hospitalization, within 30-days and within 12-months (all p < 0.001), but adjustment eliminated this paradox. In contrast, the paradox for LDL-C persisted for all primary outcomes after adjustment in STEMI. For NSTEMI patients, a lower HDL-C was associated with a higher risk of death during hospitalization but in STEMI patients a lower HDL-C was paradoxically associated with a lower risk of death during hospitalization. For this endpoint, the interaction term for HDL-C and type of MI was significant even after adjustment. An elevated TG level was not protective after adjustment. These observations may be due to differing characteristics and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in NSTEMI and STEMI.
Transcriptional regulation of amino acid metabolism in response to nitrogen deficiency and nitrogen forms in tea plant root (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Yang Tianyuan , Li Huiping , Tai Yuling , Dong Chunxia , Cheng Xunmin , Xia Enhua , Chen Ziping , Li Fang , Wan Xiaochun , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: April 2020

Free amino acids, including theanine, glutamine and glutamate, contribute greatly to the pleasant taste and multiple health benefits of tea. Amino acids in tea plants are mainly synthesized in roots and transported to new shoots, which are significantly affected by nitrogen (N) level and forms. However, the regulatory amino acid metabolism genes have not been systemically identified in tea plants. Here, we investigated the dynamic changes of free amino acid contents in response to N deficiency and forms in tea plant roots, and systemically identified the genes associated amino acid contents in individual metabolism pathways. Our results showed that glutamate-derived amino acids are the most dynamic in response to various forms of N and N deficiency. We then performed transcriptomic analyses of roots treated with N deficiency and various forms of N, and differentially expressed amino acid metabolic genes in each pathway were identified. The analyses on expression patterns and transcriptional responses of metabolic genes to N treatments provided novel insights for the molecular basis of high accumulation of theanine in tea plant root. These analyses also identified potential regulatory genes in dynamic amino acid metabolism in tea plant root. Furthermore, our findings indicated that the dynamic expression levels of CsGDH, CsAlaDC, CsAspAT, CsSDH, CsPAL, CsSHMT were highly correlated with changes of amino acid contents in their corresponding pathways. Herein, this study provides comprehensive insights into transcriptional regulation of amino acid metabolism in response to nitrogen deficiency and nitrogen forms in tea plant root.
Prevalence and psychopathology of vegetarians and vegans – Results from a representative survey in Germany
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Richardson Candice , Nöhre Mariel , Brähler Elmar , Holzapfel Christina , Hilbert Anja , de Zwaan Martina
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of, and attitudes toward, vegetarianism and veganism. We also assessed the association between vegetarianism/veganism and eating disorder, depressive, and somatic symptoms. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey in adults in Germany that was representative in terms of age, gender, and educational level was carried out. Data from 2449 adults (53.5% females) were included. Mean age was 49.6 (SD 17.1) years. A total of 5.4% of participants reported following a vegetarian or vegan diet. While the majority of participants agreed that vegetarian diets are healthy and harmless (56.1%), only 34.8% believed this to be true of vegan diets. The majority of participants also believed that a vegetarian (58.7%) or vegan (74.7%) diet can lead to nutritional deficiency. Female gender, younger age, higher education, lower body mass index (BMI), and higher depressive and eating disorder symptoms were found to be associated with vegetarianism/veganism. We did not find increased physical complaints in the group of vegetarians/vegans. Our results point toward a moderate prevalence of vegetarianism/veganism among the general population. Our findings suggest that health care professionals should keep eating disorder pathology, affective status in mind when dealing with individuals who choose a vegetarian/vegan dietary pattern.
Quality of chest compressions during pediatric resuscitation with 15:2 and 30:2 compressions-to-ventilation ratio in a simulated scenario
Authors: Manrique Gema , González Araceli , Iguiñiz Maitane , Grau Ana , Toledo Blanca , García Miriam , López-Herce Jesús
Published: April 2020

The main objetive was to compare 30:2 and 15:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio in two simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) models with single rescuer. The secondary aim was to analyze the errors or omissions made during resuscitation. A prospective randomized parallel controlled study comparing 15:2 and 30:2 ratio in two manikins (child and infant) was developed. The CPR was performed by volunteers who completed an basic CPR course. Each subject did 4 CPR sessions of 3 minutes each one. Depth and rate of chest compressions (CC) during resuscitation were measured using a Zoll Z series defibrillator. Visual assessment of resuscitation was performed by an external researcher. A total of 26 volunteers performed 104 CPR sessions. Between 54–62% and 44–53% of CC were performed with an optimal rate and depth, respectively, with no significant differences. No differences were found in depth or rate of CC between 15:2 and 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio with both manikins. In the assessment of compliance with the ERC CPR algorithm, 69.2–80.8% of the subjects made some errors or omissions during resuscitation, the most frequent was not asking for help and not giving rescue breaths. The conclusions were that a high percentage of CC were not performed with optimal depth and rate. Errors or omissions were frequently made by rescuers during resuscitation.
Addition of Metabolic Syndrome to Albuminuria Provides a New Risk Stratification Model for Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression in Elderly Patients
Authors: Shih Hong-Mou , Chuang Shih-Ming , Lee Chun-Chuan , Liu Sung-Chen , Tsai Ming-Chieh
Published: April 2020

Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are more prone to developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Patients with DKD can develop albuminuria, and some studies have suggested an association between metabolic syndrome and albuminuria. The prevalence of both metabolic syndrome and albuminuria increases with age. We evaluated the association of these risk factors with worsening renal function and albuminuria progression in 460 T2DM patients with a mean age of 72 years. During the 5-year follow-up period, progression of albuminuria and worsening of renal function were observed in 97 (21.2%) and 23 (5.1%) patients, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the group with metabolic syndrome had a higher multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for worsening renal function (P = 0.038) and albuminuria progression (P = 0.039) than the group without metabolic syndrome. When patients were divided into four groups according to the presence of metabolic syndrome and/or albuminuria, the HR gradually increased. The group with both albuminuria and metabolic syndrome exhibited the highest cumulative incidence of worsening renal function (P = 0.003). When we redefined metabolic syndrome to exclude the blood pressure (BP) component, similar results were obtained. We concluded that the presence of metabolic syndrome independently predicts the progression of renal disease in elderly patients with T2DM. The use of both metabolic syndrome and albuminuria provides a better risk stratification model for DKD progression than albuminuria alone.
Mapping co-ancestry connections between the genome of a Medieval individual and modern Europeans
Authors: Ferrando-Bernal Manuel , Morcillo-Suarez Carlos , de-Dios Toni , Gelabert Pere , Civit Sergi , Díaz-Carvajal Antonia , Ollich-Castanyer Imma , Allentoft Morten E. , Valverde Sergi , Lalueza-Fox Carles
Published: April 2020

Historical genetic links among similar populations can be difficult to establish. Identity by descent (IBD) analyses find genomic blocks that represent direct genealogical relationships among individuals. However, this method has rarely been applied to ancient genomes because IBD stretches are progressively fragmented by recombination and thus not recognizable after few tens of generations. To explore such genealogical relationships, we estimated long IBD blocks among modern Europeans, generating networks to uncover the genetic structures. We found that Basques, Sardinians, Icelanders and Orcadians form, each of them, highly intraconnected sub-clusters in a European network, indicating dense genealogical links within small, isolated populations. We also exposed individual genealogical links -such as the connection between one Basque and one Icelandic individual- that cannot be uncovered with other, widely used population genetics methods such as PCA or ADMIXTURE. Moreover, using ancient DNA technology we sequenced a Late Medieval individual (Barcelona, Spain) to high genomic coverage and identified IBD blocks shared between her and modern Europeans. The Medieval IBD blocks are statistically overrepresented only in modern Spaniards, which is the geographically closest population. This approach can be used to produce a fine-scale reflection of shared ancestry across different populations of the world, offering a direct genetic link from the past to the present.
Multifunctional NiCo2O4 nanosheet-assembled hollow nanoflowers as a highly efficient sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Cui Zhe , He Shu-Ang , Liu Qian , Zou Rujia
Published: April 2020

A facile method is reported to synthesize NCOHF/S for Li–S battery, exhibiting superior electrochemical performance due to its efficient bifunction catalytic activity, chemical adsorption and excellent conductivity.
Alloy scattering of phonons
Authors: Gurunathan Ramya , Hanus Riley , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Solid-solution alloy scattering of phonons is a demonstrated mechanism to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity.
One-pot synthesis of trypsin-based magnetic metal–organic frameworks for highly efficient proteolysis
Authors: Zhong Chao , Lei Zhixian , Huang Huan , Zhang Mingyue , Cai Zongwei , Lin Zian
Published: April 2020

A facile approach was developed for one-pot synthesis of trypsin-based magnetic ZIF-8, which could be applied as an immobilized enzyme microreactor for rapid digestion of proteins.
Ultrafine gold nanoparticle embedded poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)–graphene oxide hydrogels for voltammetric determination of an antimicrobial drug (metronidazole)
Authors: Veerakumar Pitchaimani , Sangili Arumugam , Chen Shen-Ming , Lin King-Chuen
Published: April 2020

In this work, gold nanoparticle (Au NP) decorated poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) functionalized graphene hydrogel (Au NP@PDDA/GH) nanocomposites were fabricated.
Dendritic cells reprogrammed by CEA messenger RNA loaded multi-functional silica nanospheres for imaging-guided cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Yue , Tang Yuyin , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Yang Xiao-Tong , Tang Ying-Ying , Li Su , Hu Linyu , Chen Peng , Zhu Dong
Published: April 2020

Multi-functional and hierarchically structured silica nanospheres are rationally designed and fabricated, which encapsulate quantum dots to permit near infrared deep tissue imaging and are loaded with carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA (CEAmRNA) to enable stable and abundant antigen expression in DCs.
A convenient reagent for the conversion of aldoximes into nitriles and isonitriles
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lin Jin-Hong , Zhang Pengfei , Xiao Ji-Chang
Published: April 2020

Described herein is the convenient transformation of aldoximes into nitriles or isonitriles by slightly modifying reaction conditions.
An in situ decorated cathode with LiF and F@C for performance enhanced Li–S batteries
Authors: Gao Cong , Yang Jiayi , Han Xu , Abuzar Muhammad , Chen Yangshen , Liu Wenjing , Zhang Weina , Wu Jiansheng , Li Sheng , Zheng Bing , Huo Fengwei
Published: April 2020

A simple but effective method is presented to in situ decorate a sulfur cathode with LiF and F@C for enhanced performance.
Chiroptical detection of a model ruthenium dye in water by circularly polarized-electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Voci Silvia , Zinna Francesco , Arrico Lorenzo , Grass Stéphane , Bouffier Laurent , Lacour Jérôme , Di Bari Lorenzo , Sojic Neso
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate the possibility to detect selectively the two single enantiomers of a model [Ru(bpy)3]2+-based dye by circularly polarized-electrochemiluminescence (CP-ECL).
Open-shell singlet diradicaloid difluoreno[4,3-b:3′,4′-d]furan and its radical cation and dianion
Authors: Mori Sakura , Akita Motoko , Suzuki Shuichi , Asano Motoko S. , Murata Michihisa , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Matsumoto Taisuke , Kitamura Chitoshi , Kato Shin-ichiro
Published: April 2020

We report difluoreno[4,3-b:3′,4′-d]furan derivative as a stable open-shell singlet diradicaloid.
Shallow trap state-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over thermal-decomposed polymeric carbon nitride
Authors: Xue Jiawei , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: April 2020

Oxygen functional group-introduced shallow electron trap states enhance the photocatalytic activity of the thermal-decomposed polymeric carbon nitride for hydrogen evolution.
Retraction: Tri-s-triazine (s-heptazine), a novel electron-deficient core for soft self-assembled supramolecular structures
Authors: Kelly Richard
Published: April 2020

Retraction of ‘Tri-s-triazine (s-heptazine), a novel electron-deficient core for soft self-assembled supramolecular structures’ by Irla Siva Kumar et al., Chem. Commun., 2017, 53, 11445–11448.
Solvation properties of protic ionic liquid–molecular solvent mixtures
Authors: Yalcin Dilek , Christofferson Andrew J. , Drummond Calum J. , Greaves Tamar L.
Published: April 2020

In this study, we have investigated the solvation properties of binary mixtures of PILs with molecular solvents. The selected binary solvent systems are the PILs ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) and propylammonium nitrate (PAN) combined with either water, methanol, acetonitrile or DMSO.
Proton transfer dynamics modified by CH-stretching excitation
Authors: Michaelsen Tim , Bastian Björn , Strübin Patrick , Meyer Jennifer , Wester Roland
Published: April 2020

Gaining insight how specific rovibrational states influence reaction kinetics and dynamics is a fundamental goal of physical chemistry.
Oxygen K-shell spectroscopy of isolated progressively solvated peptide
Authors: Milosavljević Aleksandar R. , Jänkälä Kari , Ranković Miloš Lj. , Canon Francis , Bozek John , Nicolas Christophe , Giuliani Alexandre
Published: April 2020

X-ray spectroscopy of an isolated controllably hydrated peptide: core excitation of the first solvation shell enhances peptide backbone fragmentation.
A rotational study of the AlaAla dipeptide
Authors: León I. , Alonso E. R. , Mata S. , Alonso J. L.
Published: April 2020

Herein, we present the first rotational study of the AlaAla dipeptide, brought into the gas phase by laser ablation.
Systematically altering the lipophilicity of rhenium(i) tricarbonyl anticancer agents to tune the rate at which they induce cell death
Authors: Konkankit Chilaluck C. , Vaughn Brett A. , Huang Zhouyang , Boros Eszter , Wilson Justin J.
Published: April 2020

Increasing the lipophilicity of rhenium-based anticancer agents increases the rate at which they induce their biological effects.
Formation of Fe(iii)–As(v) complexes: effect on the solubility of ferric hydroxide precipitates and molecular structural identification
Authors: Shi Qiantao , Sterbinsky George E. , Zhang Shujuan , Christodoulatos Christos , Korfiatis George P. , Meng Xiaoguang
Published: April 2020

Soluble Fe(iii)–As(v) complexes were found at both acidic and neutral conditions, which significantly change the solubility of ferric oxides.
Designing refractive index fluids using the Kramers–Kronig relations
Authors: Sai Tianqi , Saba Matthias , Dufresne Eric R. , Steiner Ullrich , Wilts Bodo D.
Published: April 2020

Kramers–Kronig relations can be used to control the interplay of light absorption and dispersion. This concept is demonstrated by using bright commodity food dyes to design non-toxic high refractive index fluids.
Potential use of ellagic acid for endometriosis treatment: its effect on a human endometrial cell cycle, adhesion and migration
Authors: Mc Cormack B. A. , Bilotas M. A. , Madanes D. , Ricci A. G. , Singla J. J. , Barañao R. I.
Published: April 2020

EA treatment decreases cell adhesion and migration of endometrial cells and alters the progression of an endometrial stromal cell line cycle.
Analysis of kinetic parameters and mechanisms of nanocrystalline cellulose inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in simulated digestion of starch
Authors: Nsor-Atindana John , Yu Meihui , Goff H. Douglas , Chen Maoshen , Zhong Fang
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the in vitro inhibitory influence of particle size of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) fractions against α-amylase and α-glucosidase using cooked potato starch–protein food model system.
Methylation-triggered fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass to afford cellulose-, hemicellulose-, and lignin-based functional polymers via click chemistry
Authors: Miki Kentaro , Kamitakahara Hiroshi , Yoshinaga Arata , Tobimatsu Yuki , Takano Toshiyuki
Published: April 2020

This paper reports a new concept for the biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass where the derivatisation and fractionation of lignocellulose are accomplished at the same time.
Effects of water in the heterogeneous catalytic valorization of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone and its derivatives
Authors: Weng Rengui , Yu Zhihao , Xiong Jian , Lu Xuebin
Published: April 2020

A critical review on the effects of water solvent that contribute to the sustainable development of biomass-derived levulinic acid valorization systems.
Ionic conduction mechanism of a lithium superionic argyrodite in the Li–Al–Si–S–O system
Authors: Huang Wenze , Cheng Lindong , Hori Satoshi , Suzuki Kota , Yonemura Masao , Hirayama Masaaki , Kanno Ryoji
Published: April 2020

Unique interstitial Li+ and O2−/S2− site disorder lower the percolation threshold for 3D Li-ion diffusion in lithium argyrodite Li6.15Al0.15Si1.35S6−xOx (LASSO).
Strategies for designing two-dimensional nonlinear optical layers from KBBF and BBO crystals
Authors: Yang Guoyu
Published: April 2020

A series of 2D NLO monolayers based on the layered structure of KBe2BO3F2and the planar triangular anions of β-BaB2O4were designed with first-principles calculations. The 2D-KBBF and 2D-BBO families are predicted to be excellent candidates for 2D NLO monolayers.