bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methanocorpusculum
Authors: Shao Nana , Akinyemi Taiwo S. , Whitman William B.
Published: December 2020

Me.tha.no.cor.pus'cu.lum. N.L. neut. n.methanummethane; L. neut. n.corpusculuma particle; N.L. neut. n.Methanocorpusculuma methane‐producing particle.

Halobacteriota / Methanomicrobia / Methanomicrobiales / Methanocorpusculaceae / Methanocorpusculum

Small, irregular cocci, <2 μm in diameter. Endospores not formed. Stain Gram‐negative. Lysed by detergent or hypotonic shock. Nonmotile or very weakly motile. Strictly anaerobic. Fastest growth at 30–37°C, pH near 7.0. No requirement of NaCl for growth but moderately NaCl tolerant, depending on the species. Energy production by reduction of CO2to CH4with H2, formate, and sometimes secondary alcohols as electron donors; acetate, methylamines, or methanol are not catabolized. Acetate and either yeast extract, peptones, or rumen fluid are required as carbon and nitrogen sources. Sulfide serves as a sulfur source. Occurs in sewage sludge digesters, anaerobic wastewater treatment plants, and anaerobic reactors.Methanocorpusculumis the only genus in the familyMethanocorpusculaceaeand currently comprises four species with validly published names.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 49.8–52.4 (Genome).

Type species:Methanocorpusculum parvumZellner et al. 1987, VL24.
Methanopyrus
Authors: Shao Nana , Akinyemi Taiwo S. , Whitman William B.
Published: December 2020

Me.tha.no.py'rus. N.L. neut. n.
methanum
methane; Gr. neut. n.
pyr
fire; N.L. masc. n.
Methanopyrus
the “methane fire” (the hyperthermophilic methanogen).

Euryarchaeota / Methanopyria / Methanopyrales / Methanopyraceae / Methanopyrus

Rod‐shaped cells, occurring singly and in chains, about 2–14 μm long and 0.5–0.7 μm wide. Nonsporulating. Cell division by septum formation. Cell wall consists of an inner pseudomurein layer and an outer proteinaceous S‐layer.
N
‐Acetylglucosamine is absent in pseudomurein. AB′B″C subunit pattern of the DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase. 2,3‐Di‐
O
‐phytanyl‐
sn
‐glycerol and 2,3‐di‐
O
‐geranylgeranyl‐
sn
‐glycerol present in the lipids. Gram‐stain‐positive. Obligately anaerobic. Hyperthermophilic, optimum growth temperature, 98–100°C; maximum, up to 116°C; minimum, 84°C. Growth between 2 and 45 g/l NaCl; optimum, 20–30 g/l NaCl. Growth between pH 5.5 and 7; optimum, pH near 6.5. Chemolithoautotrophic. Energy for growth is obtained by reduction of CO
2
to CH
4
using H
2
as the electron donor. Formate, acetate, methanol, methylamine, propanol,
l
(+)‐lactate, and glycerol are not used as electron donors for CH
4
formation. Epifluorescent at 420 nm. Cyclic 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate present intracellularly at high concentrations. Sulfur reduced to H
2
S, causing cell lysis. Currently, the family
Methanopyraceae
includes only a single genus and species
Methanopyrus kandleri
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 59 (
T
m
), 60 (LC), 61.2 (genome).

Type species
:
Methanopyrus kandleri
Kurr et al. 1991, VL41.
Desulforapulum
gen. nov.
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

De.sul.fo.ra'pu.lum
. L. pref.
de
, from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
, sulfur; N.L. pref.
desulfo
‐, prefix used to characterize a dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing prokaryote; L. neut. n.
rapulum
, little turnip; N.L. neut. n.
Desulforapulum
, sulfate‐reducing body.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobacteria / Desulfobacterales / Desulfobacteraceae / Desulforapulum gen. nov.

Oval‐shaped rods, 1.0–1.5 × 1.5–2.5 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Gram stain negative. Motile with a single polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having respiratory and fermentative types of metabolism. Chemoorganotrophic, using formate, C
2
–C
16
straight‐chain fatty acids, some short branched‐chain fatty acids, lactate, pyruvate, succinate, fumarate, malate, glutamate, ethanol, and higher alcohols as carbon sources and electron donors. Electron donors are completely oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway). Growth on acetate and propionate is slow. For growth on H
2
+ CO
2
, acetate is not required (chemolithoautotrophic growth). Sulfate and thiosulfate serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to sulfide. Fermentative growth on lactate, pyruvate, fumarate, and malate. Mesophilic; optimal growth temperature is 25–28°C. Neutrophilic; optimum pH for growth is 6.7. Media containing a reductant are necessary for growth. Anoxic media (with sulfide as a reductant) and vitamins are required for growth.
Desulforapulum
species require brackish or marine concentrations of NaCl and MgCl
2
. Cells contain cytochromes of the
b
‐ and
c
‐types and menaquinone MK‐7. The genus
Desulforapulum
contains one described species and is found in brackish or marine sediments.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 48.8 (genome).

Type species
:
Desulforapulum autotrophicum
comb. nov. (Basonym:
Desulfobacterium autotrophicum
Brysch et al. 1987, VL26).
Desulfosudis
gen. nov.
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

De.sul.fo.su'dis. L. pref.
de
‐, from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
, sulfur; N.L. pref.
desulfo
‐, desulfuricating; L. fem. n.
sudis
, stake, pile; N.L. fem. n.
Desulfosudis
, a sulfate‐reducing stick or rod.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobacteria / Desulfobacterales / Desulfosudaceae / Desulfosudis gen. nov.

Cells are rod shaped, 0.4–0.5 × 0.8–2.0 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Cells stain Gram‐negative. The cells are nonmotile. Strict anaerobes with a respiratory type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophs, using alkanes and short‐ and long‐chain fatty acids, which are completely oxidized to CO
2
via the anaerobic C
1
pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway). Sulfate serves as the terminal electron acceptor and is reduced to sulfide; other electron acceptors have not been tested. Fermentation does not occur. Mesophilic. The optimal temperature for growth is 28°C. Neutrophilic. The optimal pH for growth is 7.0–7.4. Growth occurs in simple, defined media containing a reductant (usually sulfide) and vitamin B
12
. Occur in anoxic mud of oil production sites, oil‐polluted anoxic marine sediment, and microbial mats.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 56.2 (genome).

Type species
:
Desulfosudis oleivorans
.
“
Desulfostilus
” gen. nov.
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

De.sul.fo.sti'lus. L. pref.
de
, from; L. neut. n.
sulfur
, sulfur; N.L. pref.
desulfo
‐, prefix used to characterize a dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing prokaryote; L. masc. n.
stilus
, pen; N.L. masc. n.
Desulfostilus
, sulfate‐reducing pen.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfobulbia / Desulfobulbales / Desulfocapsaceae / Desulfostilus gen. nov.

Rod‐shaped cells, 0.5 × 2.0–4.0 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Gram‐stain‐negative. Under most conditions, only a few cells are motile. Metabolism is strictly anaerobic. Chemolithoautotrophic, using inorganic partially reduced sulfur compounds as electron donors and electron acceptors in fermentative type of metabolism (disproportionation). For disproportionation of sulfur to sulfate and sulfide, ferric iron is required to scavenge dissolved sulfide. CO
2
serves as carbon source and is assimilated via the anaerobic C
1
‐pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase [CODH] or Wood–Ljungdahl pathway) as indicated from genome data. Sulfate cannot serve as a terminal electron acceptor. H
2
and CO
2
allowed growth with sulfur as electron acceptor. Fermentative growth with organic compounds is not observed. Mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 30°C. Neutrophilic, with the optimal growth at pH 6.7–7.3. Anoxic media without a reductant and at least 1.5 g NaCl and 0.4 g MgCl
2
× 6H
2
O per liter are necessary for growth. Vitamins or yeast extract is not required. The genus
“
Desulfostilus
”
contains one described species.
Desulfostilus
‐like organisms occur close to oxic/anoxic interface in diverse marine systems. However, because the type strain is no longer available in two culture collections, the new name can not be validly published.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 45.4 (genome).

Type species
:
“
Desulfostilus sulfexigens
”
comb. nov. (basonym:
Desulfocapsa sulfexigens
Finster et al. 1998, VL76).
Humidesulfovibrio
Authors: Galushko Alexander , Kuever Jan
Published: December 2020

Hu.mi.de.sul.fo.vi'bri.o. L. fem. n.
humus
, the earth, soil; N.L. masc. n.
Desulfovibrio
, a bacterial genus name; N.L. masc. n.
Humidesulfovibrio
, a
Desulfovibrio
‐like bacterium from the soil.

Desulfobacterota / Desulfovibrionia / Desulfovibrionales / Desulfovibrionaceae / Humidesulfovibrio

Cells are vibrio shaped, 0.4–0.5 × 1.0–4.0 μm. Occur singly or in pairs. Spore formation is not observed. Stain Gram‐negative. Cells are motile by a single polar flagellum. Strictly anaerobic, having both a respiratory and a fermentative type of metabolism. Chemoorganoheterotrophs, using lactate, pyruvate, ethanol (two species), and certain amino acids (one species) as electron donors and carbon sources; organic compounds are incompletely oxidized to acetate. H
2
can be used as electron donor in the presence of acetate as organic carbon source (chemolithoheterotrophic growth). Formate is also used in the presence of acetate. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and sulfur serve as terminal electron acceptors and are reduced to sulfide. Fumarate, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS) might be used as well. Desulfoviridin is present. In the absence of an external electron acceptor, growth may occur by fermentation of pyruvate (two species) and certain amino acids (one species). Mesophilic; the optimum temperature for growth is 24–37°C. Neutrophilic; the optimum growth pH is 6.5–7.2. Media containing a reductant but not NaCl are required for growth. Three members of the genus
Desulfovibrio
have been transferred to the new genus
Humidesulfovibrio
. Occur in anaerobic treatment plants, cryopegs within permafrost, and anoxic freshwater sediment.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 55.2–66.0 (LC, genome).

Type species
:
Humidesulfovibrio mexicanus
Waite et al. 2020
VP
(basonym:
Desulfovibrio mexicanus
Hernandez‐Eugenio et al. 2000, VL79).
Temperatibacter
Authors: Xu Xue‐Wei , Xu Lin , Whitman William B.
Published: December 2020

Tem.per.at.i.bac'ter. L. masc. adj.
temperatus
temperate, referring to the moderate growth temperature range of the type species; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
rod; N.L. masc. n.
Temperatibacter
the temperate rod.

Proteobacteria / Alphaproteobacteria / Kordiimonadales / Temperatibacteraceae / Temperatibacter

The genus
Temperatibacter
accommodates aerobic, mesophilic, alkali‐tolerant, moderately halophilic, and chemoheterotrophic bacteria. Cells are Gram‐stain‐negative, curved rods, and motile by polar flagellum. Ubiquinone‐10 is detected as the sole isoprenoid quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids are branched‐chain fatty acids. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and one unidentified aminolipid. The member of this genus grows in medium supplemented with yeast extract and artificial or natural seawater. However, a wide range of substrates including glucose, citrate, and
dl
‐malate cannot be utilized as carbon, nitrogen, and energy sources. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the genus belongs to the
Kordiimonadales
. DNA G + C content is 44.3 mol% (by LC). A known habitat is surface seawater.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 44.3 (LC).

Type species
:
Temperatibacter marinus
Teramoto and Nishijima 2014
VP
.
Targeting the Opening of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pores Potentiates Nanoparticle Drug Delivery and Mitigates Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Lin Xi , Li Lian , Li Shujie , Li Qiuyi , Xie Dandan , Zhou Minglu , Huang Yuan
Published: December 2020

Mitochondria are highly involved in the metastasis of cancer cells. However, low permeability of mitochondria impedes the entry of anti‐cancer drugs. Here, a self‐assembled nanoparticle platform is designed that not only targets the DNA‐intercalating agent doxorubicin to mitochondria but also enhances the specific penetration by opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pores (MPTPs). With drastic improvement in mitochondrial uptake, the drug delivery system results in substantial mitochondrial impairment leading to amplified induction of apoptosis, depletion of energy supply, and inhibition of numerous metastasis‐associated proteins. As a consequence, the drug delivery system significantly inhibits the orthotopic tumor growth, and suppressed the metastasis of cancer cells detached from primary tumors. Additionally, the nanoparticle exhibits a potent effect on eradicating the metastasis of disseminated tumor cell from blood to lung. The results show that strategies of targeting mitochondria and unlocking MPTP are feasible and beneficial to mitigate both tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Flexible Free‐Standing MoO3/Ti3C2Tz MXene Composite Films with High Gravimetric and Volumetric Capacities
Authors: Zheng Wei , Halim Joseph , El Ghazaly Ahmed , Etman Ahmed S. , Tseng Eric Nestor , Persson Per O. Å. , Rosen Johanna , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: December 2020

Enhancing both the energy storage and power capabilities of electrochemical capacitors remains a challenge. Herein, Ti3C2Tz MXene is mixed with MoO3 nanobelts in various mass ratios and the mixture is used to vacuum filter binder free, open, flexible, and free‐standing films. The conductive Ti3C2Tz flakes bridge the nanobelts, facilitating electron transfer; the randomly oriented, and interconnected, MoO3 nanobelts, in turn, prevent the restacking of the Ti3C2Tz nanosheets. Benefitting from these advantages, a MoO3/Ti3C2Tz film with a 8:2 mass ratio exhibits high gravimetric/volumetric capacities with good cyclability, namely, 837 C g−1 and 1836 C cm−3 at 1 A g−1 for an ≈ 10 µm thick film; and 767 C g−1 and 1664 C cm−3 at 1 A g−1 for ≈ 50 µm thick film. To further increase the energy density, hybrid capacitors are fabricated with MoO3/Ti3C2Tz films as the negative electrodes and nitrogen‐doped activated carbon as the positive electrodes. This device delivers maximum gravimetric/volumetric energy densities of 31.2 Wh kg−1 and 39.2 Wh L−1, respectively. The cycling stability of 94.2% retention ratio after 10 000 continuous charge/discharge cycles is also noteworthy. The high energy density achieved in this work can pave the way for practical applications of MXene‐containing materials in energy storage devices.
MnN4 Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst: Operando Investigation of Active Sites and High Performance in Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Tianyu , Chen Wenxing , Dong Bo , Meng Ge , Zheng Lirong , Yang Can , Sun Xiaoming , Zhuang Zhongbin , Wang Dingsheng , Han Aijuan , Liu Junfeng
Published: December 2020

The development of inexpensive and highly efficient nonprecious metal catalysts to substitute Pt in the alkaline oxygen reduction reaction is an appealing idea in the energy field. Herein, a Mn oxygen reduction electrocatalyst with a half‐wave potential (E1/2) as high as 0.910 V under an alkaline oxygen reduction reaction process is developed, and the dynamic atomic structure change of the highly efficient Mn single‐atomic site is investigated using operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. These results demonstrate that the low‐valence MnL+N4 is the active site during the oxygen reduction process. Density functional theory reveals that facile electron transfer from MnL+N4 to adsorbed *OH species plays a key role in the excellent electrocatalytic performance. Moreover, when assembled as the cathode in a zinc–air battery, this MnN4 material shows high power density and excellent durability, demonstrating its promising potential to substitute the Pt catalyst in practical devices.
Earth‐Abundant Amorphous Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Production: A Review
Authors: Zhang Doudou , Soo Joshua Zheyan , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Catchpole Kylie , Karuturi Siva Krishna
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical water splitting provides a promising approach to store renewable electricity in the form of hydrogen on a grand scale. However, the current techniques for large‐scale electrochemical hydrogen production rely on the use of expensive and scarce noble‐metal catalysts making it uncompetitive to traditional methods using fossil fuels. Thus, replacing noble‐metal electrocatalysts with cheap materials made of abundant elements holds the key to achieve the cost‐effectiveness. Recently, amorphous electrocatalysts emerged as promising candidates due to their unique physical and chemical properties compared with their crystalline counterparts leading to superior catalytic performance. Given the rapid advances made in the design, synthesis, and development of amorphous catalysts, namely monometallic and multimetallic borides, sulfides, phosphides, oxides, and hydroxides based on transition metals, the recent progress on compositional designs, microstructure, morphology, electronic properties, and interaction with host materials are reviewed critically. Special attention is paid to uncover the main strategies adopted in each material category and the underlying structure–property relationship that lead to improved hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances. As a result, guidance for the design and synthesis of novel amorphous electrocatalysts with high performance for large‐scale electrochemical water splitting application is provided.
A highly sensitive multiplex immunoassay for inflammatory cytokines in dried blood spots
Authors: McDade Thomas W. , Miller Aaron , Tran Tina T. , Borders Ann E. B. , Miller Greg
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Inflammatory cytokines are key regulators of inflammation, but current measurement approaches require venous blood to quantify low circulating concentrations associated with chronic, low‐grade inflammation. This article describes a highly sensitive multiplex immunoassay protocol for the measurement of IL6, IL8, IL10, and TNFα in finger stick dried blood spot (DBS) samples.

Methods

The protocol uses a multiplex electrochemiluminescent immunoassay platform. The following measures of assay performance were evaluated: reliability (inter‐assay percent coefficient of variation; %CV), precision (intra‐assay %CV), lower limit of detection (LLD), linearity of dilution, and agreement with results from matched plasma samples.

Results

Analysis of three control samples across the assay range indicated an acceptable level of precision and reliability for each cytokine. Linearity of dilution returned average values that ranged from 104.1 to 127.6% of expected. Lower limits of detection for IL6, IL8, and IL10 were <0.5, and <1.0 pg/ml for TNFα. Level of agreement in results between matched DBS and plasma samples was high for all cytokines except for IL8.

Conclusions

Finger stick DBS sampling provides a viable alternative to venipuncture for the quantification of IL6, IL10, and TNFα at low concentrations associated with chronic inflammation. The presence of red blood cells may interfere with the quantification of IL8 in DBS. In facilitating blood collection in nonclinical settings this method can advance scientific understandings of how social and ecological contexts shape immune function and health over the life course.
Noonan syndrome patients beyond the obvious phenotype: A potential unfavorable metabolic profile
Authors: Noronha Renata M. , Villares Sandra M F , Torres Natalia , Quedas Elisangela P S , Homma Thais Kataoka , Albuquerque Edoarda V A , Moraes Michelle B , Funari Mariana F A , Bertola Debora R , Jorge Alexander A L , Malaquias Alexsandra C
Published: December 2020

Noonan syndrome (NS) and NS related disorders (NRD) are frequent monogenic diseases. Pathogenic variants in PTPN11 are observed in approximately 50% of these NS patients. Several pleiotropic phenotypes have previously been described in this condition. This study aimed at characterizing glucose and lipid profiles in patients with NS/NRD. We assessed fasting blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol (total and fractions), and triglyceride (TG) levels in 112 prepubertal children and 73 adults. Additionally, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in 40 children and 54 adults. Data were analyzed between age groups according to the presence (+) or absence (−) of PTPN11 mutation. Prepubertal patients with NS/NRD were also compared with a control group. Despite the lean phenotype of children with NS/NRD, they presented an increased frequency of low HDL‐cholesterol (63% in PTPN11+, 59% in PTPN11‐ and 16% in control, p < .001) and high TG levels (29% in PTPN11+, 18% in PTPN11‐ and 2.3% in control). PTPN11+ patients had a higher median HOMA‐IR (1.0, ranged from 0.3 to 3.2) in comparison with PTPN11‐ (0.6; 0.2 to 4.4) and controls (0.6; 0.4 to 1.4, p = .027). Impaired glucose tolerance was observed in 19% (10:54) of lean adults with NS/NRD assessed by OGTT. Moreover, women with PTPN11 mutations had lower HDL‐cholesterol levels than those without. Our results suggest that children and young adult patients with NS/NRD have an unfavorable metabolic profile characterized by low HDL, a tendency of elevated TGs, and glucose metabolism impairment despite a lean phenotype.
Synergetic Lipid Extraction with Oxidative Damage Amplifies Cell‐Membrane‐Destructive Stresses and Enables Rapid Sterilization
Authors: Chen Yu , Ji Qinghua , Zhang Gong , Liu Huijuan , Qu Jiuhui
Published: December 2020

Here, we introduce an innovative “poison arrowhead” approach for disinfection based on a nanosheet bacterial inactivation system that acts synergistically to achieve sterilization rates of >99.99 % (Escherichia coli) over an ultrashort time period (≈0.5 min). The two‐dimensional MoS2 “arrowhead” configuration has a sharp edge structure that enables the vigorous extraction of lipids from cell membranes and subsequent membrane disruptions. In the presence of permonosulfate, a strong oxidant, sulfur vacancies containing MoS2 activate the stable molecules, which in turn produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) from edge sites to basal areas. This process not only scavenges some portion of the phospholipids to allow for MoS2 surface refreshment but also directly attacks proteins thereby inflicting further damage to injured cells and amplifying the cell‐membrane‐destructive stresses toward pathogenic microorganisms. With small amounts of the new material, we successfully disinfected natural water (≈99.93 % inactivation in terms of total bacteria) within 30 s.
Polymer brush‐grafted monolithic macroporous polyHIPEs obtained by surface‐initiated ARGET ATRP and heparinized for Enterovirus 71 purification
Authors: Gu Huimin , Liu Yibin , Wang Lichun , Zhang Baoliang , Yin Dezhong , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: December 2020

Monolithic macroporous polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs) were grafted with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brushes via surface‐initiated activators continuously regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) and heparinized for obtaining an affinity chromatographic column for Enterovirus 71 (EV71) purification. The proposed strategy possessed of three advantages. (a) Highly interconnected porous structure of polyHIPEs guaranteed an excellent permeability (9.3 × 10−14 m2) and fast mass transfer of biomacromolecules; (b) PGMA brushes provided plentiful epoxy groups for heparin immobilization; (c) High accessibility of heparin was achieved as the polymer brushes could extend into the interior of pores. A specific capture of EV71 was accomplished by receptor‐ligand interaction. Dynamic adsorption capacity for EV71 reached 768 ng per column, up to 5‐fold higher than nongrafted one reported in our previous work. The maximum recovery for EV71 was 76.1%. Outstanding adsorption performances were attributed to the high density and accessibility of heparin immobilized on PGMA brushes. In general, the developed polymer brush‐grafted polyHIPEs opened up a new broad road for design of novel chromatographic medium for bioseparation and biomedical applications.
Malignant phyllodes tumor with liposarcomatous differentiation: Diagnosed on cytology
Authors: Kuppusamy Devi Anu , Jinkala Sreerekha , Thambiraj Paruvathavarthini , Stephen Norton , Gochhait Debasis , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Dharanipragada Kadambari
Published: December 2020

Phyllodes tumor (PT) accounts for less than 1% of all primary tumors of the breast and 2% to 3% of all fibroepithelial lesions. We report a case of heterologous liposarcomatous elements in a malignant PT of the breast on Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and later confirmed by histopathological examination. A 58‐years‐old woman presented with a huge breast mass for which FNAC was done. Cytology showed features of malignant PT with a good representation of heterologous liposarcomatous areas. The cytological findings were in concordance with the histologic features. Malignant PT and its various heterologous elements of stroma can be diagnosed on FNA cytology when performed optimally. They can be vital for the preoperative assessment of patients suspected with malignancy to formulate the surgical plan accordingly.
Impact of maternal immune activation on dendritic spine development
Authors: Pekala Martyna , Doliwa Marta , Kalita Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

Dendritic spines are small dendritic protrusions that harbor most excitatory synapses in the brain. The proper generation and maturation of dendritic spines are crucial for the regulation of synaptic transmission and formation of neuronal circuits. Abnormalities in dendritic spine density and morphology are common pathologies in autism and schizophrenia. According to epidemiological studies, one risk factor for these neurodevelopmental disorders is maternal infection during pregnancy. This review discusses spine alterations in animal models of maternal immune activation in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. We describe potential mechanisms that might be responsible for prenatal infection‐induced changes in the dendritic spine phenotype and behavior in offspring.
Comparative genomic analysis of human GLI2 locus using slowly evolving fish revealed the ancestral gnathostome set of early developmental enhancers
Authors: Ali Shahid , Arif Irum , Iqbal Ayesha , Hussain Irfan , Abrar Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ramzan , Shubin Neil , Abbasi Amir Ali
Published: December 2020

Background

The zinc finger‐containing transcription factor Gli2, is a key mediator of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling and participates in embryonic patterning of various organs including the central nervous system (CNS) and limbs. Abnormal expression of Gli2 can impede the transcription of Hh target genes through disruption of proper balance between Gli2 and Gli3 functions. Therefore, delineation of enhancers that are required for complementary roles of Glis would allow the interrogation of those pathogenic variants that cause gene dysregulation, and a corresponding abnormal phenotype. Previously, we reported tissue‐specific enhancers for Gli family including Gli2 through direct tetrapod‐teleost comparisons.

Results

Here, we employed the sequence alignments of slowly evolving spotted gar and elephant shark and have identified six novel conserved noncoding elements in human GLI2 containing locus. Zebrafish‐based transgenic assays revealed that combined action of these autonomous CNEs reflects many aspects of Gli2 specific endogenous transcriptional activity, including CNS and pectoral fins.

Conclusion

Taken together with our previous findings, this study suggests that Hh‐signaling controlled deployment of Gli2 activity in embryonic patterning arose in the common ancestor of gnathostomes. These GLI2 specific cis‐regulatory modules will help to identify DNA variants that probably reside outside of coding intervals and are associated with congenital anomalies.
Self‐reported symptoms of binge‐eating disorder among adolescents in a community‐based Danish cohort—A study of prevalence, correlates, and impact
Authors: Olsen Else M. , Koch Susanne V. , Skovgaard Anne M. , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine
Published: December 2020

Objective

Binge‐eating disorder (BED) was established as a diagnosis in 2013 with the DSM‐5 and has been included in the ICD‐11 in 2018. In adulthood, BED is prevalent and correlated with somatic and mental health problems. Less is known about BED in adolescence, although this age period could represent a window of opportunity for early intervention. This study aimed to investigate the 1‐year prevalence, correlates, and impact of BED symptoms in a community sample of adolescents.

Method

We included 1,404 girls and 1,105 boys from the 16‐years‐follow‐up of the Copenhagen Child Cohort study, CCC2000. The adolescents self‐reported on BED symptoms, weight‐status, body perception, mental health problems, and self‐rated impact of food and weight‐related thoughts and behaviors. Information about socio‐economic factors and hospital diagnosed psychiatric disorders were obtained from national registries.

Results

A total of 8.5% reported weekly overeating with loss of control (10.9% of girls, 4.8% of boys), and 2.6% (3.6% of girls, 1.2% of boys) reported symptoms consistent with BED according to the DSM‐5. Regardless of sex, BED was correlated with concurrent overweight, body‐dissatisfaction, low self‐esteem, and mental health problems, especially emotional, but also with problems of behavior, inattention, and peer‐relations, and with high self‐rated impact on everyday life. Immigrant background and lower socio‐economy were potential risk factors for BED in boys in this sample.

Discussion

BED was prevalent and correlated with mental health problems and overall impact among adolescents in this community sample, indicating the need for clinical attention and intervention towards binge‐eating disorder in the adolescent period.
Pyrene Appended Free‐base, Phosphorus(V) and Gallium(III) Corroles and Their β,β′‐Linked Corrole Dimers: Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Sujesh S. , Basumatary Biju , Kumar Amit , Sankar Jeyaraman
Published: December 2020

Pyrene appended free‐base, phosphorus(V) and gallium (III) corrole conjugates were synthesized and characterized. Efficient β‐β′ dimerization of corroles was achieved by oxidation with p‐chloranil in moderate yield from their respective metallated corroles. The weak ground state electronic coupling between pyrene and corrole units was established by photophysical and electrochemical investigations. The fluorescence spectral studies showed a red shifted emission maximum for dimer with respect to their monomeric counterpart due to possible π‐conjugation and supported by the density functional theory (DFT). The electrochemical investigation revealed multiple oxidation associated with the corrole and pyrene centers.
Structural Diversity using Hyp “Customizable Units”: Proof‐of‐Concept Synthesis of Sansalvamide‐Related Antitumoral Peptides
Authors: Cuevas Fernando , Saavedra Carlos J. , Romero‐Estudillo Ivan , Boto Alicia , Ordóñez Mario , Vergara Irene
Published: December 2020

The potential of “customizable units” to generate structural diversity for biological screenings is highlighted in this proof‐of‐concept synthesis of new peptides related to the potent antitumoral Sansalvamide A. Using L‐4‐hydroxyproline (Hyp) as a customizable unit in a linear parent peptide, an improved procedure for selective peptide modification was developed. A divergent Hyp scission‐reductive amination process was carried out, affording five linear peptides with cationic residues, and notably, an N‐alkyl moiety that affected the conformation of the peptide. After two steps (saponification and macrocyclization), sixteen differently N1‐substituted linear and cyclic peptides were obtained. For the first time, the activity of the linear and cyclic compounds was compared. Not only some linear analogs but also cyclic compounds with scarcely studied cationic residues were active against MCF7 breast cancer line. Thus, the structural diversity generated from customizable units can be valuable in drug discovery.
The resistance to scientific theory in futures and foresight, and what to do about it
Authors: Fergnani Alessandro , Chermack Thomas J.
Published: December 2020

We offer an argumentative explanation of the reasons why the field of futures and foresight has not been successful at becoming part of the social scientific establishment. We contend that the very set of norms, beliefs, and epistemological foundations of futures and foresight are essentially self‐sabotaging as they resist the creation of scientific theory on futures and foresight practices and processes in organizations. Drawing from the tradition of management and organization sciences, we describe what scientific theory in the context of organizations is and is not, and how theory development contributes to the incremental progress of scientific fields. We then unpack the crux of the problem, deconstructing the resistance to scientific theory within our field into nine, closely related reasons. We offer solutions to the problem in the form of three sets of recommendations: for authors, journal editors, and practitioners. We conclude by responding to likely misunderstandings in advance.
PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer: An overview of the practice‐changing trials
Authors: Foo Tiffany , George Angela , Banerjee Susana
Published: December 2020

Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have transformed the management of recurrent ovarian cancer in patients with BRCA‐mutations and beyond. Olaparib was the first PARP inhibitor to gain approval as maintenance therapy for patients with newly diagnosed, advanced BRCA‐mutated ovarian cancer establishing a new standard of care. At the end of 2020, as a result of the SOLO1, PRIMA, and PAOLA‐1 phase III trials, we are now in an era where three maintenance PARP inhibitor strategies have FDA and European Medicines Agency approval in the first‐line setting. In this review, we provide an overview of the key PARP inhibitor trials that have changed clinical practice, discuss directing therapy according to biomarker status (BRCA and homologous recombination deficiency) and future strategies in ovarian cancer and other gynecological malignancies.
Rotor Syndrome: Glucuronidated Bile Acidemia From Defective Reuptake by Hepatocytes
Authors: Kimura Akihiko , Kagawa Tatehiro , Takei Hajime , Maruo Yoshihiro , Sakugawa Hiroshi , Sasaki Takahiro , Murai Tsuyoshi , Naritaka Nakayuki , Takikawa Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 (gene, solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 [SLCO1B1]) and OATP1B3 (SLCO1B3) serve as transporters for hepatic uptake of important endogenous substances and several commonly prescribed drugs. Inactivation of both proteins together causes Rotor syndrome. How this OATP1B1/1B3 defect disturbs bile acid (BA) metabolism is largely unknown. In this study, we performed detailed BA analysis in 3 patients with genetically diagnosed Rotor syndrome. We found that BAs glucuronidated at the C‐3 position (BA‐3G) accounted for 50% or more of total BAs in these patients. In contrast but similarly to healthy controls, only trace amounts of BA‐3G were detected in patients with constitutional indocyanine green excretory defect (OATP1B3 deficiency) or sodium‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP; gene, solute carrier family 10 member 1 [SLC10A1]) deficiency. Therefore, substantial amounts of BA‐3G are synthesized in hepatocytes. The cycling pathway of BA‐3G, consisting of excretion from upstream hepatocytes and uptake by downstream hepatocytes by OATP1B1/1B3 may exist to reduce the burden on upstream hepatocytes. Conclusion: Detailed BA analysis revealed glucuronidated bile acidemia in patients with Rotor syndrome. Further exploration of the physiologic role of glucuronidated BAs is necessary.
A meteorological‐based crop coefficient model for estimation of daily evapotranspiration
Authors: Varmaghani Arman , Eichinger William E. , Prueger John H.
Published: December 2020

Estimation of daily evapotranspiration (ET) over cloudy regions highly desires models which rely on meteorological data only. Notwithstanding, the conventional crop coefficient (Kc) method requires detailed knowledge of geo/biophysical properties of the coupled land‐vegetation system, precipitation, and soil moisture. Six Eddy Covariance (EC) towers in Iowa, California and New Hampshire of the USA (covering corn, soybeans, prairie, and deciduous forest) were selected. Investigation on 6 years (2007–2012) 15‐min micrometeorological records of these sites revealed that there is an indubitable strong interaction between relative humidity (RH), reference ET (ETo), and actual ET at different timescales. This allowed to bypass the need for the non‐meteorological inputs and express Kc as a second‐order polynomial function of RH and ETo, the ambient regression evapotranspiration model (AREM). The coefficients of the empirical function are crop‐specific and may require calibration over different soil types. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the regression against daily EC observations was 17% during the growing season, and 32% throughout the year with root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.74 mm day−1 and coefficient of determination of 0.71. The model was fully operational (MAPE of 34% and RMSE of 0.82 mm day−1) over the four Iowan sites based on inputs from local weather stations and NLDAS‐2 forcing data of NASA. AREM was capable of capturing the dynamics of ET at 15‐min and daily timescales irrespective of varying complexities associated with biophysical, geophysical and climatological states.
Acceleration of vegetation dynamics in hydrologically connected wetlands caused by dam operation
Authors: Zheng Lilin , Xu Jinying , Wang Dandan , Xu Guoyu , Tan Zhiqiang , Xu Ligang , Wang Xiaolong
Published: December 2020

The dynamic responses of wetlands to upstream water conservancy projects are becoming increasingly crucial for watershed management. Poyang Lake is a dynamic wetland system of critical ecological importance and connected with the Yangtze river. However, in the context of disturbed water regime in Poyang Lake resulting from human activities and climate change, the responses of vegetation dynamics to the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) have not been investigated. We addressed this knowledge gap by using daily water level data and Landsat images from 1987 to 2018. Landsat images were acquired between October and December to ensure similar phenological conditions. Object‐oriented Artificial Neural Network Regression for wetland classification was developed based on abundant training and validation samples. Interactions between vegetation coverage and water regimes pre and post the operation of the TGD were compared using classification and regression trees and the random forest model. Since the implementation of the TGD in 2003, Poyang Lake has become drier, especially during the dry season. A more rapid plant growth rate was observed post TGD (44.74 km2 year−1) compared to that of the entire study period (12.9 km2 year−1). Average water level for the antecedent 20 days most significantly affected vegetation before 2003, whereas average water level for the antecedent 5 or 10 days was more important after 2003. The impoundment of the TGD after the flood season accelerated the drawdown processes of Poyang Lake, and the rapidly exposed wetlands accelerated vegetation expansion during the dry seasons, resulting in shrinkage and degradation of the lake area. This study deepens our knowledge of the influences of newly developed dams on lakes and rivers.
Serum proteome‐wide identified ATP citrate lyase as a novel informative diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pediatric sepsis: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Zhu Xiaodong , Cui Yun , Miao Huijie , Xu Yaya , Xiong Xi , Tang Xiaomeng , Shao Lujing , Zhang Yucai
Published: December 2020

Introduction

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) is involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in immune cells. However, the serum level of ACLY and its clinical relevance in sepsis is totally unknown.

Methods

We conducted a prospective pilot study in patients with sepsis admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from January 2018 to December 2018.

Results

Higher levels of ACLY were detected in sera of pediatric patients with sepsis than that of healthy children. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of ACLY for diagnosis of sepsis was 0.855 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0757–0.952), and an AUC of ACLY for predicting PICU mortality was 0.770 (95% CI: 0.626–0.915). ACLY levels ≤21 ng/ml on PICU admission predicted an unfavorable prognosis among patients with sepsis with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 67.6%. Moreover, serum ACLY levels were correlated to platelet count, IL‐18 levels, and monocyte counts in pediatric patients with sepsis, implying the potential roles of ACLY in immunometabolic regulation in sepsis.

Conclusions

ACLY is firstly identified in sera of patients with sepsis. Serum ACLY level is an additional diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pediatric patients with sepsis.
Household choices on investing in financial risky assets: Do national institutional factors have their own merit?
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Bouras Christos
Published: December 2020

Using data from household surveys in United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and United States, spanning the period 2009–2018, we examine the institutional basis of households' portfolio choice decisions as related to investments in financial risky assets. We document that governance matters for households' investment decisions. A decomposition of the institutional factor effects on portfolio allocation reveals that a high degree of judicial independence and property rights protection drive households to invest in riskier assets. Our findings, which receive robust support from alternative panel data methodological approaches, have important implications for the literature on the factors dictating portfolio investments, as well as for financial choice decisions reached by investors and portfolio managers.
Correlates of suicidal thoughts and attempts in males engaging in muscle dysmorphia or eating disorder symptoms
Authors: Ortiz Shelby N. , Forrest Lauren N. , Smith April R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Despite the high rates of suicidality in body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders (EDs), research on suicidality in a related disorder, muscle dysmorphia (MD), is essentially nonexistent. Thus, this study tested relations between suicidal thoughts and behaviors and MD and ED symptoms in an online male community sample.

Method

A total of 464 males (Mage = 40.3; 85% Caucasian) recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk completed measures that evaluated ED symptoms, MD symptoms, current suicidal ideation, and past suicide attempts.

Results

Most MD and ED symptoms were correlated with current suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts. In multivariate regression models, vomiting and appearance intolerance remained significantly related to suicidal ideation, while hard exercise and lower functional impairment were significantly related to prior suicide attempts.

Conclusion

Results indicate that appearance dissatisfaction, a core MD criterion, and hard exercise, a common behavioral symptom of MD, are associated with suicidality.
Puromycin‐sensitive aminopeptidase is required for C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Osana Shion , Kitajima Yasuo , Suzuki Naoki , Nunomiya Aki , Takada Hiroaki , Kubota Takahiro , Murayama Kazutaka , Nagatomi Ryoichi
Published: December 2020

The ubiquitin‐proteasome system is a major protein degradation pathway in the cell. Proteasomes produce several peptides that are rapidly degraded to free amino acids by intracellular aminopeptidases. Our previous studies reported that proteolysis via proteasomes and aminopeptidases is required for myoblast proliferation and differentiation. However, the role of intracellular aminopeptidases in myoblast proliferation and differentiation had not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of puromycin‐sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA) on C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation by knocking down PSA. Aminopeptidase enzymatic activity was reduced in PSA‐knockdown myoblasts. Knockdown of PSA induced impaired cell cycle progression in C2C12 myoblasts and accumulation of cells at the G2/M phase. Additionally, after the induction of myogenic differentiation in PSA‐knockdown myoblasts, multinucleated circular‐shaped myotubes with impaired cell polarity were frequently identified. Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) knockdown in myoblasts resulted in a loss of cell polarity and the formation of multinucleated circular‐shaped myotubes, which were similar to PSA‐knockdown myoblasts. These data suggest that PSA is required for the proliferation of myoblasts in the growth phase and for the determination of cell polarity and elongation of myotubes in the differentiation phase.
How can recapitulation be reconciled with modern concepts of evolution?
Authors: Kuratani Shigeru , Uesaka Masahiro , Irie Naoki
Published: December 2020

To understand Haeckel's idea of recapitulation with modern evolutionary biology, one has to realize how evolutionarily conserved embryonic stages appear sequentially in developmental processes as chains of causality. Whether the idea of evolution was accepted or not, Haeckel and von Baer commonly saw an importance of a particularly conserved mid‐embryonic stage in biphasic development of metazoans, the phylotype, that defines an animal phylum as the developmental source of a basic body plan. In an evolutionary context, the phylotypic stage was once understood by Haeckel to reflect the common ancestor of animal phyla, which went through hypermorphosis independently into various phyla. Recent comprehensive molecular studies, however, accumulated data to refute this idea. The conserved embryonic pattern does not reflect an ancestral adult morphology but appears to have arisen primarily as an embodiment of developmental constraints established through evolutionary processes. How the developmental burden results in a nested series of constraints will solve the recapitulative tendency of developmental programs.
The evolutionary consequences of epigenesis and neutral change: A conceptual approach at the organismal level
Authors: Vargas Alexander O. , Botelho Joao F. , Mpodozis Jorge
Published: December 2020

Living beings are autopoietic systems with highly context‐dependent structural dynamics and interactions, that determine whether a disturbance in the genotype or environment will lead or not to phenotypic change. The concept of epigenesis entails how a change in the phenotype may not correspond to a change in the structure of an earlier developmental stage, including the genome. Disturbances of embryonic structure may fail to change the phenotype, as in regulated development, or when different genotypes are associated to a single phenotype. Likewise, the same genotype or early embryonic structure may develop different phenotypes, as in phenotypic plasticity. Disturbances that fail to trigger phenotypic change are considered neutral, but even so, they can alter unexpressed developmental potential. Here, we present conceptual diagrams of the “epigenic field”: similar to Waddington's epigenetic landscapes, but including the ontogenic niche (organism/environment interactional dynamics during ontogeny) as a factor in defining epigenic fields, rather than just selecting among possible pathways. Our diagrams illustrate transgenerational changes of genotype, ontogenic niche, and their correspondence (or lack thereof) with changes of phenotype. Epigenic fields provide a simple way to understand developmental constraints on evolution, for instance: how constraints evolve as a result of developmental system drift; how neutral changes can be involved in genetic assimilation and de‐assimilation; and how constraints can evolve as a result of neutral changes in the ontogenic niche (not only the genotype). We argue that evolutionary thinking can benefit from a framework for evolution with conceptual foundations at the organismal level.