bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial susceptibilities and comparative whole genome analysis of two isolates of the probiotic bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, strain ATCC 202195
Authors: Pell Lisa G. , Horne Rachael G. , Huntley Stuart , Rahman Hafizur , Kar Sanchita , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Evans Kara C. , Saha Samir K. , Campigotto Aaron , Morris Shaun K. , Roth Daniel E. , Sherman Philip M.
Published: August 2021

A synbiotic containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strain identifier 202195] and fructooligosaccharide was reported to reduce the risk of sepsis in young infants in rural India. Here, the whole genome of two isolates of L. plantarum ATCC 202195, which were deposited to the ATCC approximately 20 years apart, were sequenced and analyzed to verify their taxonomic and strain-level identities, identify potential antimicrobial resistant genes and virulence factors, and identify genetic characteristics that may explain the observed clinical effects of L. plantarum ATCC 202195. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for selected antimicrobial agents were determined using broth dilution and gradient strip diffusion techniques. The two L. plantarum ATCC 202195 isolates were genetically identical with only three high-quality single nucleotides polymorphisms identified, and with an average nucleotide identity of 99.99%. In contrast to previously published reports, this study determined that each isolate contained two putative plasmids. No concerning acquired or transferable antimicrobial resistance genes or virulence factors were identified. Both isolates were sensitive to several clinically important antibiotics including penicillin, ampicillin and gentamicin, but resistant to vancomycin. Genes involved in stress response, cellular adhesion, carbohydrate metabolism and vitamin biosynthesis are consistent with features of probiotic organisms.
The post-translational modification landscape of commercial beers
Authors: Kerr Edward D. , Caboche Christopher H. , Pegg Cassandra L. , Phung Toan K. , Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Fuentes Sigfredo , Howes Mark T. , Howell Kate , Schulz Benjamin L.
Published: August 2021

Beer is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. As a product of variable agricultural ingredients and processes, beer has high molecular complexity. We used DIA/SWATH-MS to investigate the proteomic complexity and diversity of 23 commercial Australian beers. While the overall complexity of the beer proteome was modest, with contributions from barley and yeast proteins, we uncovered a very high diversity of post-translational modifications (PTMs), especially proteolysis, glycation, and glycosylation. Proteolysis was widespread throughout barley proteins, but showed clear site-specificity. Oligohexose modifications were common on lysines in barley proteins, consistent with glycation by maltooligosaccharides released from starch during malting or mashing. O-glycosylation consistent with oligomannose was abundant on secreted yeast glycoproteins. We developed and used data analysis pipelines to efficiently extract and quantify site-specific PTMs from SWATH-MS data, and showed incorporating these features into proteomic analyses extended analytical precision. We found that the key differentiator of the beer glyco/proteome was the brewery, with beer from independent breweries having a distinct profile to beer from multinational breweries. Within a given brewery, beer styles also had distinct glyco/proteomes. Targeting our analyses to beers from a single brewery, Newstead Brewing Co., allowed us to identify beer style-specific features of the glyco/proteome. Specifically, we found that proteins in darker beers tended to have low glycation and high proteolysis. Finally, we objectively quantified features of foam formation and stability, and showed that these quality properties correlated with the concentration of abundant surface-active proteins from barley and yeast.
Metagenomic approaches reveal differences in genetic diversity and relative abundance of nitrifying bacteria and archaea in contrasting soils
Authors: Clark Ian M. , Hughes David J. , Fu Qingling , Abadie Maïder , Hirsch Penny R.
Published: August 2021

The abundance and phylogenetic diversity of functional genes involved in nitrification were assessed in Rothamsted field plots under contrasting management regimes—permanent bare fallow, grassland, and arable (wheat) cultivation maintained for more than 50 years. Metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis indicated nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were more abundant than ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in all soils. The most abundant AOA and AOB in the metagenomes were, respectively, Nitrososphaera and Ca. Nitrososcosmicus (family Nitrososphaeraceae) and Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas (family Nitrosomonadaceae). The most abundant NOB were Nitrospira including the comammox species Nitrospira inopinata, Ca. N. nitrificans and Ca. N. nitrosa. Anammox bacteria were also detected. Nitrospira and the AOA Nitrososphaeraceae showed most transcriptional activity in arable soil. Similar numbers of sequences were assigned to the amoA genes of AOA and AOB, highest in the arable soil metagenome and metatranscriptome; AOB amoA reads included those from comammox Nitrospira clades A and B, in addition to Nitrosomonadaceae. Nitrification potential assessed in soil from the experimental sites (microcosms amended or not with DCD at concentrations inhibitory to AOB but not AOA), was highest in arable samples and lower in all assays containing DCD, indicating AOB were responsible for oxidizing ammonium fertilizer added to these soils.
Effects of highly selective sympathectomy on neurogenic bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury rats
Authors: Xu Peipei , Guo Shuang , Xie Yang , Liu Zitong , Liu Changbin , Zhang Xin , Yang Degang , Gong Huiming , Chen Yixin , Du Liangjie , Yu Yan , Yang Mingliang
Published: August 2021

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction, including hyperreflexic and areflexic bowel, is a common complication in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We hypothesized that removing part of the colonic sympathetic innervation can alleviate the hyperreflexic bowel, and investigated the effect of sympathectomy on the hyperreflexic bowel of SCI rats. The peri-arterial sympathectomy of the inferior mesenteric artery (PSIMA) was performed in T8 SCI rats. The defecation habits of rats, the water content of fresh faeces, the intestinal transmission function, the defecation pressure of the distal colon, and the down-regulation of Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in colon secondary to PSIMA were evaluated. The incidence of typical hyperreflexic bowel was 95% in SCI rats. Compared to SCI control rats, PSIMA increased the faecal water content of SCI rats by 5–13% (P < 0.05), the emptying rate of the faeces in colon within 24 h by 14–40% (P < 0.05), and the defecation pressure of colon by 10–11 mmHg (P < 0.05). These effects lasted for at least 12 weeks after PSIMA. Immunofluorescence label showed the secondary down-regulation of Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors after PSIMA occurred mainly in rats’ distal colon. PSIMA mainly removes the sympathetic innervation of the distal colon, and can relieve the hyperreflexic bowel in rats with SCI. The possible mechanism is to reduce the inhibitory effect of sympathetic activity, and enhance the regulatory effect of parasympathetic activity on the colon. This procedure could potentially be used for hyperreflexic bowel in patients with SCI.
Entropy based analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spread in India using informative subtype markers
Authors: Mathur Piyush , Goyal Pratik , Verma Garima , Yadav Pankaj
Published: August 2021

India became one of the most COVID-19 affected countries with more than 4 million infected cases and 71,000 deaths by September 2020. We studied the temporal dynamics and geographic distribution of SARS-CoV-2 subtypes in India. Moreover, we analysed the RGD motif and D614G mutation in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. We used a previously proposed viral subtyping method based upon informative subtype markers (ISMs). The ISMs were identified on the basis of information entropy using 94,515 genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 available publicly at the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). We identified 11 distinct positions in the SARS-CoV-2 genomes for defining ISMs resulting in 798 unique ISMs. The most abundant ISM in India was transferred from European countries. In contrast, the second most abundant ISM in India was found to be transferred via Australia. Moreover, the eastern regions in India were infected by the ISM most abundant in China due to geographical linkage. Our analysis confirmed higher rates of new cases in the countries abundant with S-G614 strain compared to countries with abundant S-D614 strain. In India, overall S-G614 was most prevalent compared to S-D614, except a few regions including New Delhi, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
The dynamics of reading complex words: evidence from steady-state visual evoked potentials
Authors: Beyersmann Elisabeth , Montani Veronica , Ziegler Johannes C. , Grainger Jonathan , Stoianov Ivilin Peev
Published: August 2021

The present study used steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to examine the spatio-temporal dynamics of reading morphologically complex words and test the neurophysiological activation pattern elicited by stems and suffixes. Three different types of target words were presented to proficient readers in a delayed naming task: truly suffixed words (e.g.,farmer), pseudo-suffixed words (e.g.,corner), and non-suffixed words (e.g.,cashew). Embedded stems and affixes were flickered at two different frequencies (18.75 Hz and 12.50 Hz, respectively). The stem data revealed an earlier SSVEP peak in the truly suffixed and pseudo-suffixed conditions compared to the non-suffixed condition, thus providing evidence for the form-based activation of embedded stems during reading. The suffix data also showed a dissociation in the SSVEP response between suffixes and non-suffixes with an additional activation boost for truly suffixed words. The observed differences are discussed in the context of current models of complex word recognition.
Association between clinical and environmental factors and the gut microbiota profiles in young South African children
Authors: Nel Van Zyl Kristien , Whitelaw Andrew C. , Hesseling Anneke C. , Seddon James A. , Demers Anne-Marie , Newton-Foot Mae
Published: August 2021

Differences in the microbiota in populations over age and geographical locations complicate cross-study comparisons, and it is therefore essential to describe the baseline or control microbiota in each population. This includes the determination of the influence of demographic, clinical and environmental factors on the microbiota in a setting, and elucidates possible bias introduced by these factors, prior to further investigations. Little is known about the microbiota of children in South Africa after infancy. We provide a detailed description of the gut microbiota profiles of children from urban Cape Town and describe the influences of various clinical and environmental factors in different age groups during the first 5 years of life.Prevotellawas the most common genus identified in the participants, and after infancy, the gut bacteria were dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In this setting, children exposed to antibiotics and indoor cooking fires were at the most risk for dysbiosis, showing significant losses in gut bacterial diversity.
Susceptibility of bacterial endophthalmitis isolates to vancomycin, ceftazidime, and amikacin
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen , Sun Ming-Hui , Hou Chiun-Ho , Chen Hung-Chi , Chen Yen-Po , Wang Nan-Kai , Liu Laura , Wu Wei-Chi , Chou Hung-Da , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Lai Chi-Chun
Published: August 2021

Bacterial endophthalmitis is a rare intraocular infection, and prompt administration of intravitreal antibiotics is crucial for preventing severe vision loss. The retrospective study is to investigate the in vitro susceptibility to the antibiotics vancomycin, amikacin, and ceftazidime of bacterial endophthalmitis isolates in specimens at a tertiary referral center from January 1996 to April 2019 in Taiwan. Overall, 450 (49.9%) isolates were Gram positive, 447 (49.6%) were Gram negative, and 4 (0.4%) were Gram variable. In Gram-positive isolates, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly cultured bacteria (158, 35.1%), followed by Streptococci (100, 22.2%), Enterococci (75, 16.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (70, 15.6%). In Gram-negative isolates, they were Klebsiella pneumoniae (166, 37.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (131, 29.3%). All Gram-positive organisms were susceptible to vancomycin, with the exception of one Enterococcus faecium isolate (1/450, 0.2%). Of the Gram-negative isolates, 96.9% and 93.7% were susceptible to ceftazidime and amikacin, respectively. Nine isolates (9/447, 2.0%) were multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, comprising K. pneumoniae (4/164, 2.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (2/3, 67%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3/18, 17%). In conclusion, in vitro susceptibility testing revealed that vancomycin remains the suitable antibiotic treatment for Gram-positive endophthalmitis. Ceftazidime and amikacin provide approximately the same degree of Gram-negative coverage. Multidrug-resistant bacterial endophthalmitis was uncommon.
Fomites and the environment did not have an important role in COVID-19 transmission in a Brazilian mid-sized city
Authors: Rocha Ana Luíza Silva , Pinheiro Josilene Ramos , Nakamura Thamilin Costa , da Silva José Domingos Santos , Rocha Beatriz Gonçalves Silva , Klein Raphael Contelli , Birbrair Alexander , Amorim Jaime Henrique
Published: August 2021

It is not clear if COVID-19 can be indirectly transmitted. It is not possible to conclude the role of the environment in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 without studying areas in which people transit in great numbers. In this work we aimed to better understand the role of environment in the spread of COVID-19. We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in fomites as well as in the air and in the sewage using RT-qPCR. We studied both, a reference market area and a COVID-19 reference hospital at Barreiras city, Brazil. We collected and analyzed a total of 418 samples from mask fronts, cell phones, paper money, card machines, sewage, air and bedding during the ascendant phase of the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 in Barreiras. As a result, we detected the human RNAse P gene in most of samples, which indicates the presence of human cells or their fragments in specimens. However, we did not detect any trace of SARS-CoV-2 in all samples analyzed. We conclude that, so far, the environment and inanimate materials did not have an important role in COVID-19 transmission in Barreiras city. Therefore, similar results can probably be found in other cities, mainly those with COVID-19 epidemiological scenarios similar to that of Barreiras city. Our study is a small piece indicating the possibility that fomites and the environment do not have an important role in COVID-19 transmission. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the world scenario.
Klotho as a biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease
Authors: Donate-Correa Javier , Ferri Carla M. , Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Pérez-Delgado Nayra , González-Luis Ainhoa , Mora-Fernández Carmen , Navarro-González Juan F.
Published: August 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CKD patients present a decrease in the levels of the protein Klotho that accompanies the decrease in kidney function. This protein has been related to protective effects against CVD. However, it is unclear whether circulating Klotho, and its expression in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) are also associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in CKD. The present study aimed to study the relationship between Klotho and subclinical atherosclerosis in a population of patients with moderate to severe CKD. We determined the serum levels and gene expression in PBCs levels of Klotho and three inflammatory cytokines in 103 patients with CKD and investigated their relationship with two surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerotis: ankle-brachial index (ABI) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Patients with subclinical atherosclerosis presented lower serum and PBCs expression levels of Klotho. Both variables were associated with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, being directly related with ABI and inversely with CIMT (P < 0.0001 for both). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that both variables were significant determinants for ABI (adjusted R2 = 0.511, P < 0.0001) and CIMT (adjusted R2 = 0.445, P < 0.0001), independently of traditional and emergent cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, both constituted protective factors against subclinical atherosclerosis [OR: 0.993 (P = 0.002) and 0.231 (P = 0.025), respectively]. Receiver operating characteristic analysis pointed to the utility of serum Klotho (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.817, 95% CI: 0.736–0.898, P < 0.001) and its gene expression in PBCs (AUC: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.647–0.836, P < 0.001) to distinguish subclinical atherosclerosis. The reductions in serum and PBCs expression levels of Klotho in CKD patients are independently associated with the presence of for subclinical atherosclerosis. Further research exploring whether therapeutic approaches to maintain or elevate Klotho could reduce the impact of CVD in CKD patients is warranted.
Microglial morphology in Alzheimer’s disease and after Aβ immunotherapy
Authors: Franco-Bocanegra Diana K. , Gourari Yamina , McAuley Ciaran , Chatelet David S. , Johnston David A. , Nicoll James A. R. , Boche Delphine
Published: August 2021

Microglia are the brain immune cells and their function is highly dependent on cell motility. It was hypothesised that morphological variability leads to differences in motility, ultimately impacting on the microglial function. Here, we assessed microglial morphology in 32 controls, 44 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases and 16 AD cases from patients immunised against Aβ42 (iAD) using 2D and 3D approaches. Our 2D assessment showed an increased number of microglia in iAD vs. AD (P = 0.032) and controls (P = 0.018). Ramified microglia were fewer in AD vs. controls (P = 0.041) but increased in iAD compared to AD (P < 0.001) and controls (P = 0.006). 3D reconstructions highlighted larger cell bodies in AD vs. controls (P = 0.049) and increased total process length in iAD vs. AD (P = 0.032), with negative correlations detected for pan-Aβ load with total process length (P < 0.001) in AD and number of primary processes (P = 0.043) in iAD. In summary, reactive/amoeboid microglia are the most represented population in the aged human brain. AD does not affect the number of microglia, but the ramified population is decreased adopting a more reactive morphology. Aβ removal by immunotherapy leads to increased ramified microglia, implying that the cells retain plasticity in an aged disease brain meriting further investigation.
Seasonal and geographic variation in packed cell volume and selected serum chemistry of platypuses
Authors: Stewart Jana , Bino Gilad , Hawke Tahneal , Kingsford Richard T.
Published: August 2021

Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) inhabit the permanent rivers and creeks of eastern Australia, from north Queensland to Tasmania, but are experiencing multiple and synergistic anthropogenic threats. Baseline information of health is vital for effective monitoring of populations but is currently sparse for mainland platypuses. Focusing on seven hematology and serum chemistry metrics as indicators of health and nutrition (packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides), we investigated their variation across the species’ range and across seasons. We analyzed 249 unique samples collected from platypuses in three river catchments in New South Wales and Victoria. Health metrics significantly varied across the populations’ range, with platypuses from the most northerly catchment, having lower PCV, and concentrations of albumin and triglycerides and higher levels of globulin, potentially reflecting geographic variation or thermal stress. The Snowy River showed significant seasonal patterns which varied between the sexes and coincided with differential reproductive stressors. Male creatinine and triglyceride levels were significantly lower than females, suggesting that reproduction is energetically more taxing on males. Age specific differences were also found, with juvenile PCV and TP levels significantly lower than adults. Additionally, the commonly used body condition index (tail volume index) was only negatively correlated with urea, and triglyceride levels. A meta-analysis of available literature revealed a significant latitudinal relationship with PCV, TP, albumin, and triglycerides but this was confounded by variation in sampling times and restraint methods. We expand understanding of mainland platypuses, providing reference intervals for PCV and six blood chemistry, while highlighting the importance of considering seasonal variation, to guide future assessments of individual and population condition.
Liver fibrosis is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with liver biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Ono Hirotaka , Kawano Tadamichi , Yoshida Yuji , Tanabe Tomohide , Okubo Tomomi , Hayama Korenobu , Nakagawa-Iwashita Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Kaneko Keiko , Emoto Naoya , Nagao Mototsugu , Inagaki Kyoko , Fukuda Izumi , Sugihara Hitoshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: August 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to subclinical atherosclerosis. However, whether the severity of the disease (or which histopathological component) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between the histopathological severity of NAFLD and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in Japanese patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD. Maximum-CIMT (max-CIMT) was measured as an index of carotid atherosclerosis in 195 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. A significant association was observed between the severity of fibrosis (but not steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning) and max-CIMT. Older age, male gender, hypertension, and advanced fibrosis were independently linked to max-CIMT ≥ 1.2 mm. The prevalence of max-CIMT ≥ 1.2 mm was significantly higher in the advanced fibrosis group than in the non-advanced fibrosis group (75.4% versus 44.0%; p < 0.01). Non-invasive liver fibrosis markers and scoring systems, including fibrosis-4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score, hyaluronic acid, and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac-2-binding protein, demonstrated that the diagnostic performance for max-CIMT ≥ 1.2 mm was similar to that of biopsy-based fibrosis staging. In conclusion, advanced fibrosis is significantly and independently associated with high-risk CIMT. Non-invasive fibrosis markers and scoring systems could help estimate the risk of atherosclerosis progression in patients with NAFLD.
Early transcriptional responses in Solanum peruvianum and Solanum lycopersicum account for different acclimation processes during water scarcity events
Authors: Tapia G. , González M. , Burgos J. , Vega M. V. , Méndez J. , Inostroza L.
Published: August 2021

Cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum (Slyc) is sensitive to water shortages, while its wild relative Solanum peruvianum L. (Sper), an herbaceous perennial small shrub, can grow under water scarcity and soil salinity environments. Plastic Sper modifies the plant architecture when suffering from drought, which is mediated by the replacement of leaf organs, among other changes. The early events that trigger acclimation and improve these morphological traits are unknown. In this study, a physiological and transcriptomic approach was used to understand the processes that differentiate the response in Slyc and Sper in the context of acclimation to stress and future consequences for plant architecture. In this regard, moderate (MD) and severe drought (SD) were imposed, mediating PEG treatments. The results showed a reduction in water and osmotic potential during stress, which correlated with the upregulation of sugar and proline metabolism-related genes. Additionally, the senescence-related genes FTSH6 protease and asparagine synthase were highly induced in both species. However, GO categories such as “protein ubiquitination” or “endopeptidase inhibitor activity” were differentially enriched in Sper and Slyc, respectively. Genes related to polyamine biosynthesis were induced, while several cyclins and kinetin were downregulated in Sper under drought treatments. Repression of photosynthesis-related genes was correlated with a higher reduction in the electron transport rate in Slyc than in Sper. Additionally, transcription factors from the ERF, WRKY and NAC families were commonly induced in Sper. Although some similar responses were induced in both species under drought stress, many important changes were detected to be differentially induced. This suggests that different pathways dictate the strategies to address the early response to drought and the consequent episodes in the acclimation process in both tomato species.
Wettability and sound absorption of graphene oxide doped polymer hydrogel
Authors: Khosrozadeh A. , Rasuli R. , Hamzeloopak H. , Abedini Y.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we introduce a nanocomposite as a humidity-sensitive sound absorber. The nanocomposites were prepared using hydrogel polymer (HP) as a matrix and graphene oxide (GO) as a filler. Results show that the surface energy of the nanocomposite is 58.4 mJ m−2, and GO sheets increase the nanocomposite porosity from 2.6716 cm2 g−1 (for HP) up to 3.246 cm2 g−1. In addition, the diameter of nanocomposite pores is 8.5202 nm lower than that of HP (10.274 nm). To study the effect of humidity on the sound absorption, we exposed them to moisture for 30 and 60 min and then measured sound absorption. Results show an absorption peak for the HP at 1022 Hz with an attenuation value of 30%, while the nanocomposite shows two main peaks around 1898 and 3300 Hz. In addition, results show that sound absorption peaks shift to higher frequencies according to humidification time.
Erythropoietin promotes hippocampal mitochondrial function and enhances cognition in mice
Authors: Jacobs Robert A. , Aboouf Mostafa A. , Koester-Hegmann Christina , Muttathukunnel Paola , Laouafa Sofien , Arias-Reyes Christian , Thiersch Markus , Soliz Jorge , Gassmann Max , Schneider Gasser Edith M.
Published: August 2021

Erythropoietin (EPO) improves neuronal mitochondrial function and cognition in adults after brain injury and in those afflicted by psychiatric disorders. However, the influence of EPO on mitochondria and cognition during development remains unexplored. We previously observed that EPO stimulates hippocampal-specific neuronal maturation and synaptogenesis early in postnatal development in mice. Here we show that EPO promotes mitochondrial respiration in developing postnatal hippocampus by increasing mitochondrial content and enhancing cellular respiratory potential. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria profiles and total vesicle content were greater in presynaptic axon terminals, suggesting that EPO enhances oxidative metabolism and synaptic transmission capabilities. Behavioural tests of hippocampus-dependent memory at early adulthood, showed that EPO improves spatial and short-term memory. Collectively, we identify a role for EPO in the murine postnatal hippocampus by promoting mitochondrial function throughout early postnatal development, which corresponds to enhanced cognition by early adulthood.
The structure of an archaeal oligosaccharyltransferase provides insight into the strict exclusion of proline from the N-glycosylation sequon
Authors: Taguchi Yuya , Yamasaki Takahiro , Ishikawa Marie , Kawasaki Yuki , Yukimura Ryuji , Mitani Maki , Hirata Kunio , Kohda Daisuke
Published: August 2021

Oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) catalyzes oligosaccharide transfer to the Asn residue in the N-glycosylation sequon, Asn-X-Ser/Thr, where Pro is strictly excluded at position X. Considering the unique structural properties of proline, this exclusion may not be surprising, but the structural basis for the rejection of Pro residues should be explained explicitly. Here we determined the crystal structure of an archaeal OST in a complex with a sequon-containing peptide and dolichol-phosphate to a 2.7 Å resolution. The sequon part in the peptide forms two inter-chain hydrogen bonds with a conserved amino acid motif, TIXE. We confirmed the essential role of the TIXE motif and the adjacent regions by extensive alanine-scanning of the external loop 5. A Ramachandran plot revealed that the ring structure of the Pro side chain is incompatible with the ϕ backbone dihedral angle around −150° in the rigid sequon-TIXE structure. The present structure clearly provides the structural basis for the exclusion of Pro residues from the N-glycosylation sequon.
Topological defect-mediated skyrmion annihilation in three dimensions
Authors: Birch Max T. , Cortés-Ortuño David , Khanh Nguyen D. , Seki Shinichiro , Štefančič Aleš , Balakrishnan Geetha , Tokura Yoshinori , Hatton Peter D.
Published: August 2021

The creation and annihilation of magnetic skyrmions are mediated by three-dimensional topological defects known as Bloch points. Investigation of such dynamical processes is important both for understanding the emergence of exotic topological spin textures, and for future engineering of skyrmions in technological applications. However, while the annihilation of skyrmions has been extensively investigated in two dimensions, in three dimensions the phase transitions are considerably more complex. We report field-dependent experimental measurements of metastable skyrmion lifetimes in an archetypal chiral magnet, revealing two distinct regimes. Comparison to supporting three-dimensional geodesic nudged elastic band simulations indicates that these correspond to skyrmion annihilation into either the helical and conical states, each exhibiting a different transition mechanism. The results highlight that the lowest energy magnetic configuration of the system plays a crucial role when considering the emergence and stability of topological spin structures via defect-mediated dynamics.
Nanoarray heterojunction and its efficient solar cells without negative impact of photogenerated electric field
Authors: Liu Rong , Shen Zhitao , Wan Zhiyang , Zhu Liangxin , Chen Junwei , Dong Chao , Chen Wangwei , Cao Wenbo , Chen Bin , Yuan Xiaogang , Ding Bojiang , Yang Shangfeng , Chen Tao , Tian Xingyou , Chen Chong , Wang Mingtai
Published: August 2021

Efficient, stable and low-cost solar cells are being desired for the photovoltaic conversion of solar energy into electricity for sustainable energy production. Nanorod/nanowire arrays of narrow-bandgap semiconductors are the promising light-harvesters for photovoltaics because of their excellent optoelectrical properties. Here, the array of preferentially oriented antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) single-crystalline nanorods is grown on polycrystalline titania (TiO2) film by a tiny-seed-assisted solution-processing strategy, offering an Sb2S3/TiO2 nanoarray heterojunction system on a large scale. It is demonstrated that the Sb2S3 nanorod growth follows a tiny-seed-governed orientation-competing-epitaxial nucleation/growth mechanism. Using a conjugated polymer hole transporting layer on the heterojunction, we achieve a power conversion efficiency of 5.70% in the stable hybrid solar cell with a preferred p-type/intrinsic/n-type architecture featuring effectively straightforward charge transport channels and no negative impact of photogenerated electric field on device performance. An architecture-dependent charge distribution model is proposed to understand the unique photovoltaic behavior.
Electrochemical synthesis of annealing-free and highly stable black-phase CsPbI3 perovskite
Authors: Ding Chuyun , Chen Xi , Zhang Tianju , Zhou Chaocheng , Liu Xiaolin , Wang Jun , Lin Jia , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2021

Annealing-free and highly stable black-phase CsPbI3 was prepared by a unique in situ electrochemistry, which showed high-purity red photoluminescence with ultra-high environmental stability.
Cocrystal hydrate of Bandrowski's base and clotrimazole: a prospective ingredient for hair dye formulations
Authors: Dhir Abhimanew , Rajkumar Madhu , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: August 2021

When crystallized with the antifungal medication clotrimazole, p-phenylenediamine, the most prominent hair developer used in the hair dye industry today, is oxidized to its trimeric product Bandrowski's base, and forms a cocrystal.
Real-time observation of the effect of oxygen storage materials on Pd-based three-way catalysts under ideal automobile exhaust conditions: an operando study
Authors: Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Beppu Kosuke , Tamai Kazuki , Ohyama Junya , Shishido Tetsuya , Kato Kazuo , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: August 2021

The dynamic behavior of Pd species and the CeO2 support of 1 wt% Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/CeO2 catalysts during three-way catalysis was examined in real time with operando multi-probe analysis.
Nanopore-based measurement of the interaction of P450cam monooxygenase and putidaredoxin at the single-molecule level
Authors: Chen Hui , Lin Yao , Long Yi-Tao , Minteer Shelley D. , Ying Yi-Lun
Published: August 2021

The interaction between a single P450cam monooxygenase and its redox partner putidaredoxin (Pdx) was monitored via transient ionic current by using functionalized glass nanopores.
Bioactivity screening of pinhão (Araucaria Angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) seed extracts: the inhibition of cholinesterases and α-amylases, and cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: de Oliveira Anielle , Moreira Thaysa Fernandes Moya , Pepinelli Ana Luisa Silva , Costa Luis Gustavo Médice Arabel , Leal Luana Eloísa , da Silva Tamires Barlati Vieira , Gonçalves Odinei Hess , Porto Ineu Rafael , Dias Maria Inês , Barros Lillian , Abreu Rui M. V. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Bracht Lívia , Leimann Fernanda Vitória
Published: August 2021

The potential bioactive properties of extracts from bio-residues of pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) seeds were evaluated, namely the α-amylase and cholinesterase inhibition, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Optimized separation of anhydrosafflor yellow B from safflower by high-speed counter-current chromatography and evaluation of its cardio-protective effect
Authors: Huang Ping , Zhou Wenjun , Chen Haiyang , Zhou Huifen , Duan Shaobo , Wan Haitong , He Yu
Published: August 2021

Optimized separation of anhydrosafflor yellow B from safflower by HSCCC (separation parameters were optimized by the entropy weight method and response surface methodology) and evaluation of its cardio-protective effect.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: August 2021

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as pyrasplorine A from Aspergillus versicolor.
Highly sensitive detection of paraquat with pillar[5]arenes as an aptamer in an α-hemolysin nanopore
Authors: Jiang Xiaojia , Zang Mingsong , Li Fei , Hou Chunxi , Luo Quan , Xu Jiayun , Liu Junqiu
Published: August 2021

We report a highly sensitive biological nanopore sensor by introducing carboxylatopillar[5]arene (CP[5]A) molecule as an aptamer into the lumen of αHL nanopore for the single-molecule detection of paraquat (PQ) via host–guest interactions.
Red, green, and blue light-emitting carbon dots prepared from o-phenylenediamine
Authors: An Yulong , Lin Xu , Zhou Yuxi , Li Yan , Zheng Yunwu , Wu Chunhua , Xu Kaimeng , Chai Xijuan , Liu Can
Published: August 2021

Red, green and blue CDs (RGB CDs) were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method from o-phenylenediamine under different reaction conditions.
Helium-induced damage in U3Si5 by first-principles studies
Authors: Wang Yibo , Peng Zhenbo , Qiu Nianxiang , He Heming , Pan Rongjian , Wu Lu , Huang Qing , Du Shiyu
Published: August 2021

In this paper, helium-induced damage in U3Si5 was studied by first-principles methods and we revealed theoretical insight into formation of gas bubbles. This work may provide valuable clues for improving the design of UN–U3Si5 composite fuel.
Facile synthesis of ZnO nanobullets by solution plasma without chemical additives
Authors: Kim Kyusung , Chae Sangwoo , Choi Pil Gyu , Itoh Toshio , Saito Nagahiro , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: August 2021

ZnO nano-bullets were synthesized using only Zn electrode and water by solution plasma and new electrode geometry improved discharge time up to 1 h.
Alkali-modified heterogeneous Pd-catalyzed synthesis of acids, amides and esters from aryl halides using formic acid as the CO precursor
Authors: Oseghale Charles O. , Onisuru Oluwatayo Racheal , Fapojuwo Dele Peter , Mogudi Batsile M. , Molokoane Pule Petrus , Maqunga Nomathamsanqa Prudence , Meijboom Reinout
Published: August 2021

To establish an environmentally friendly green chemical process, we minimized and resolved a significant proportion of waste and hazards associated with conventional organic acids and molecular gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO).
Controlled coherent dynamics of [VO(TPP)], a prototype molecular nuclear qudit with an electronic ancilla
Authors: Chicco Simone , Chiesa Alessandro , Allodi Giuseppe , Garlatti Elena , Atzori Matteo , Sorace Lorenzo , De Renzi Roberto , Sessoli Roberta , Carretta Stefano
Published: August 2021

By a combined theoretical and broadband nuclear magnetic resonance study, we show that [VOTPP] is a coupled electronic qubit-nuclear qudit system suitable to implement qudit-based quantum error correction and quantum simulation algorithms.
Rheological, thermophysical, and morphological features of original and hydrogenated bio-oils
Authors: Yadykova Anastasiya Y. , Ilyin Sergey O.
Published: August 2021

Bio-oils are emulsions exhibiting viscoplasticity in a wide temperature range, and hydrogenation causes phase inversion without fundamentally changing the rheology.
Biomimetic polydopamine catalyst with redox activity for oxygen-promoted H2 production via aqueous formaldehyde reforming
Authors: Du Leilei , Wang Gang , Yan Xiaoqing , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Li Sha , Li Renhong , Chen Wenxing
Published: August 2021

We report for the first time that biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles are catalytically active for formaldehyde (HCHO) reforming into hydrogen (H2), where O2 acts as a co-catalyst.
Highly efficient H2 production and size-selective AgCl synthesis via electrolytic cell design
Authors: Wu Yanqiu , Boda Muzaffar Ahmad , Yi Zhiguo
Published: August 2021

Electrolytic cells combining silver oxidation with hydrogen reduction were designed to generate H2 and size-selective AgCl in an energy efficient manner.
Surface reconstruction of NiCoP for enhanced biomass upgrading
Authors: Wang Honglei , Li Chong , An Jintao , Zhuang Yuan , Tao Shengyang
Published: August 2021

A catalyst with excellent HMF electro-oxidation properties is prepared by a facile Co-doping strategy that promotes NiCoP surface reconstruction.
Design of melem-based supramolecular assemblies for the synthesis of polymeric carbon nitrides with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xia Jiawei , Karjule Neeta , Mondal Biswajit , Qin Jiani , Volokh Michael , Xing Lidan , Shalom Menny
Published: August 2021

A new family of melem-based supramolecular assemblies coupled with small molecules is designed for polymeric carbon nitride (CN) synthesis, exhibiting state-of-the-art photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction reactions.
Instant hydrogelation encapsulates drugs onto implants intraoperatively against osteoarticular tuberculosis
Authors: Li Yuan , Li Litao , Sha Xiaoling , Zhang Kuo , Li Guang , Ma Yiguang , Zhou Jin , Hao Yanfei , Zhang Zhong , Cui Xu , Tang Pei-Fu , Wang Lei , Wang Hao
Published: August 2021

Instant construction of a drug delivery system on implants intraoperatively against TB. The system has the potential of regulating the type and ratio of drugs according to the state of illness and could be coated on other polyporous materials.
IrIII(C^N)2(P-donor ligand)Cl-type complexes bearing functional groups and showing aggregation-induced phosphorescence emission (AIPE) behavior for highly efficient OLEDs
Authors: Yao Chaofan , Li Bochen , Jin Yulin , Li Huiying , Yang Xiaolong , Sun Yuanhui , Zhou Guijiang , Jiao Bo
Published: August 2021

Aggregation-induced phosphorescence emission (AIPE)-active IrIII(C^N)2(P-donor ligand)Cl-type complexes are synthesized to show high EL efficiencies in solution-processed OLEDs.
Highly stable humidity sensor based on lead-free Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite for breath monitoring
Authors: Pi Chaojie , Chen Weiqing , Zhou Wei , Yan Shuangpeng , Liu Zhichao , Wang Chao , Guo Qian , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Xue , Liu Bitao , Xu Xuhui
Published: August 2021

Cs3Bi2Br9 thin films were explored as a perovskite-based humidity sensor with excellent reliability and stability for over 35 days.
Reactive inkjet printing of graphene based flexible circuits and radio frequency antennas
Authors: Lv Songwei , Ye Siyuan , Chen Chunling , Zhang Yi , Wu Yanhong , Wang Yiqing , Tang Runli , De Souza M. M. , Liu Xuqing , Zhao Xiubo
Published: August 2021

Graphene-based materials show great promise in wearable electronics due to their remarkable properties such as excellent electrical conductivity, high flexibility and light weight.
Significantly enhanced thermoelectric performance in intermediate weak-coupling C8-BTBT molecular junctions with p/n-type electrode doping
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhang Shidong , Dong Jiwei , Sun Yaoxin , Ouyang Fangping , Long Mengqiu
Published: August 2021

For VdW–C8–vdW molecular junctions, narrowing the electron transmission resonance by N-doping greatly reduces the thermal conductance, and the electron transmission resonance shifts with B-doping leading to significant enhancement of the thermal conductance.
Functional insights into Mycobacterium tuberculosis DevR-dependent transcriptional machinery utilizing Escherichia coli
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Kumar Ramesh , Jain Ayushi , Kumar Manoj , Gauttam Rahul , Banerjee Rajdeep , Mukhopadhyay Jayanta , Tyagi Jaya Sivaswami
Published: August 2021

DevR/DosR response regulator is believed to participate in virulence, dormancy adaptation and antibiotic tolerance mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by regulating the expression of the dormancy regulon. We have previously shown that the interaction of DevR with RNA polymerase is essential for the expression of DevR-regulated genes. Here, we developed a M. tuberculosis-specific in vivo transcription system to enrich our understanding of DevR–RNA polymerase interaction. This in vivo assay involves co-transforming E. coli with two plasmids that express α, β, β′ and σA subunits of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase and a third plasmid that harbors a DevR expression cassette and a GFP reporter gene under the DevR-regulated fdxA promoter. We show that DevR-dependent transcription is sponsored exclusively by M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase and regulated by α and σA subunits of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase. Using this E. coli triple plasmid system to express mutant variants of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase, we identified E280 residue in C-terminal domain of α and K513 and R515 residues of σA to participate in DevR-dependent transcription. In silico modeling of a ternary complex of DevR, σA domain 4 and fdxA promoter suggest an interaction of Q505, R515 and K513 residues of σA with E178 and D172 residues of DevR and E471 of σA, respectively. These findings provide us with new insights into the interactions between DevR and RNA polymerase of M. tuberculosis which can be targeted for intercepting DevR function. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of this system for screening of anti-DevR compounds.
Parathyroid hormone promotes the osteogenesis of lipopolysaccharide-induced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through the JNK MAPK pathway
Authors: Qin Ziyue , Hua Shu , Chen Huifen , Wang Zhuo , Wang Haoran , Xu Jiamin , Wang Yuli , Chen Wu , Zhou Weina
Published: August 2021

Periodontitis is a series of inflammatory processes caused by bacterial infection. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a critical role in bone remodeling. The present study aimed to investigate the influences of PTH on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) pretreated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The proliferative ability was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. The optimal concentrations of PTH and LPS were determined using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red staining. Osteogenic differentiation was further assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. PTH had no effects on the proliferation of HBMSCs. Also, 100 ng/ml LPS significantly inhibited HBMSC osteogenesis, while 10−9 mol/l PTH was considered as the optimal concentration to reverse the adverse effects. Mechanistically, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation was activated by PTH in LPS-induced HBMSCs. SP600125, a selective inhibitor targeting JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, weakened the effects of PTH. Taken together, the findings revealed the role and mechanism of PTH and JNK pathway in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of LPS-induced HBMSCs, which offered an alternative for treating periodontal diseases.
Host ADP-ribosylation and the SARS-CoV-2 macrodomain
Authors: Hoch Nicolas C.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted intense research efforts into elucidating mechanisms of coronavirus pathogenesis and to propose antiviral interventions. The interferon (IFN) response is the main antiviral component of human innate immunity and is actively suppressed by several non-structural SARS-CoV-2 proteins, allowing viral replication within human cells. Differences in IFN signalling efficiency and timing have emerged as central determinants of the variability of COVID-19 disease severity between patients, highlighting the need for an improved understanding of host–pathogen interactions that affect the IFN response. ADP-ribosylation is an underexplored post-translational modification catalyzed by ADP-ribosyl transferases collectively termed poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Several human PARPs are induced by the IFN response and participate in antiviral defences by regulating IFN signalling itself, modulating host processes such as translation and protein trafficking, as well as directly modifying and inhibiting viral target proteins. SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses encode a macrodomain that hydrolyzes ADP-ribose modifications, thus counteracting antiviral PARP activity. This mini-review provides a brief overview of the known targets of IFN-induced ADP-ribosylation and the functions of viral macrodomains, highlighting several open questions in the field.