bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Winter Light Environment Over the Arctic Ocean: A Perspective From Two Decades of Ocean Color Data
Authors: Jönsson Bror F. , Sathyendranath Shubha , Platt Trevor
Published: July 2020

The last few decades have seen a decrease in Arctic ice cover, leading to changes in the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Yet sustained long‐term observations of the marine environment are difficult to acquire. Harsh environments limit in situ measurements, while low light and high solar angles hinder ocean color observations from satellite. Here we use masks of valid‐invalid ocean color pixels to diagnose ocean conditions and find strong positive trends in the Arctic open‐water season close to the ice sheet, generally consistent with sea ice products from satellites. The North East Atlantic with no seasonal ice cover shows weaker, but significant trends indicative of decreasing winter cloud cover. Decreases in both sea ice and cloud cover will increase light availability at the sea surface and potentially enhance phytoplankton growth. Our method allows the winter light conditions to be studied at temporal and spatial scales relevant for phytoplankton dynamics.
A Short‐lived Three‐Belt Structure for sub‐MeV Electrons in the Van Allen Belts: Time Scale and Energy Dependence
Authors: Hao Y. X. , Zong Q.‐G. , Zhou X.‐Z. , Zou H. , Rankin R. , Sun Y. X. , Chen X. R. , Liu Y. , Fu S. Y. , Baker D. N. , Spence H. E. , Blake J. B. , Reeves G. D. , Claudepierre S. G.
Published: July 2020

In this study we focus on the radiation belt dynamics driven by the geomagnetic storms during September 2017. Besides the long‐lasting three‐belt structures of ultrarelativistic electrons (>2 MeV, existing for tens of days), which has been studied intensively during the Van Allen Probe era, it is found that magnetospheric electrons of hundreds of keVs can also have three‐belt structures at similar L extent during storm time. Measurements of 500–800 keV electrons from MagEIS instrument onboard Van Allen Probes show double‐peaked (L = 3.5 and 4.5, respectively) flux‐versus‐L‐shell profile in the outer belt, which lasted for 2–3 days. During the time interval of such transient three‐belt structure, the energy‐versus‐L spectrogram shows novel distributions differing from both “S‐shaped” and “V‐shaped” spectrograms reported previously. Such peculiar distribution also illustrates the energy‐dependent occurrence of the three‐belt profile. The gradual formation of “reversed energy spectrum” at L ∼ 3.5 also indicates that hiss scattering inside the plasmapause contributed to the fast decay of sub‐MeV remnant belt.
Using Complex Network Analysis for Optimization of Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Sitzenfrei Robert , Wang Qi , Kapelan Zoran , Savić Dragan
Published: July 2020

The optimization of water networks supports the decision‐making process by identifying the optimal trade‐off between costs and performance (e.g., resilience and leakage). A major challenge in the domain of water distribution systems (WDSs) is the network (re)design. While the complex nature of WDS has already been explored with complex network analysis (CNA), literature is still lacking a CNA of optimal water networks. Based on a systematic CNA of Pareto‐optimal solutions of different WDSs, several graph characteristics are identified, and a newly developed CNA design approach for WDSs is proposed. The results show that obtained designs are comparable with results found by evolutionary optimization, but the CNA approach is applicable for large networks (e.g., 150,000 pipes) with a substantially reduced computational effort (runtime reduction up to 5 orders of magnitude).
Whole-blood expression of inflammasome- and glucocorticoid-related mRNAs correctly separates treatment-resistant depressed patients from drug-free and responsive patients in the BIODEP study
Authors: Cattaneo Annamaria , Ferrari Clarissa , Turner Lorinda , Mariani Nicole , Enache Daniela , Hastings Caitlin , Kose Melisa , Lombardo Giulia , McLaughlin Anna P. , Nettis Maria A. , Nikkheslat Naghmeh , Sforzini Luca , Worrell Courtney , Zajkowska Zuzanna , Cattane Nadia , Lopizzo Nicola , Mazzelli Monica , Pointon Linda , Cowen Philip J. , Cavanagh Jonathan , Harrison Neil A. , de Boer Peter , Jones Declan , Drevets Wayne C. , Mondelli Valeria , Bullmore Edward T. ,   the Neuroimmunology of Mood Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease (NIMA) Consortium, Pariante Carmine M.
Published: July 2020

The mRNA expression signatures associated with the ‘pro-inflammatory’ phenotype of depression, and the differential signatures associated with depression subtypes and the effects of antidepressants, are still unknown. We examined 130 depressed patients (58 treatment-resistant, 36 antidepressant-responsive and 36 currently untreated) and 40 healthy controls from the BIODEP study, and used whole-blood mRNA qPCR to measure the expression of 16 candidate mRNAs, some never measured before: interleukin (IL)-1-beta,IL-6,TNF-alpha, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), glucocorticoid receptor (GR),SGK1,FKBP5, the purinergic receptorP2RX7,CCL2,CXCL12, c-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), acquaporin-4 (AQP4),ISG15,STAT1andUSP-18. All genes butAQP4,ISG15andUSP-18were differentially regulated. Treatment-resistant and drug-free depressed patients had both increased inflammasome activation (higherP2RX7and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines mRNAs expression) and glucocorticoid resistance (lowerGRand higherFKBP5mRNAs expression), while responsive patients had an intermediate phenotype with, additionally, lowerCXCL12. Most interestingly, using binomial logistics models we found that a signature of six mRNAs (P2RX7,IL-1-beta, IL-6,TNF-alpha, CXCL12andGR) distinguished treatment-resistant from responsive patients, even after adjusting for other variables that were different between groups, such as a trait- and state-anxiety, history of childhood maltreatment and serum CRP. Future studies should replicate these findings in larger, longitudinal cohorts, and test whether this mRNA signature can identify patients that are more likely to respond to adjuvant strategies for treatment-resistant depression, including combinations with anti-inflammatory medications.
Intranasal delivery of mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs the brain of Alzheimer’s mice
Authors: Santamaria Giulia , Brandi Edoardo , Vitola Pietro La , Grandi Federica , Ferrara Giovanni , Pischiutta Francesca , Vegliante Gloria , Zanier Elisa R. , Re Francesca , Uccelli Antonio , Forloni Gianluigi , de Rosbo Nicole Kerlero , Balducci Claudia
Published: July 2020

The multiplicity of systems affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains calls for multi-target therapies. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are promising candidates, their clinical application is limited because of risks related to their direct implantation in the host. This could be overcome by exploiting their paracrine action. We herein demonstrate that in vivo systemic administration of secretome collected from MSC exposed in vitro to AD mouse brain homogenates (MSC-CS), fully replicates the cell-mediated neuroreparative effects in APP/PS1 AD mice. We found a complete but transient memory recovery by 7 days, which vanished by 14 days, after a single MSC-CS intravenous administration in 12-month or 22–24-month-old mice. Treatment significantly reduced plaque load, microglia activation, and expression of cytokines in astrocytes in younger, but not aged, mice at 7 days. To optimize efficacy, we established a sustained treatment protocol in aged mice through intranasal route. Once-weekly intranasal administration of MSC-CS induced persistent memory recovery, with dramatic reduction of plaques surrounded by a lower density of β-amyloid oligomers. Gliosis and the phagocytic marker CD68 were decreased. We found a higher neuronal density in cortex and hippocampus, associated with a reduction in hippocampal shrinkage and a longer lifespan indicating healthier conditions of MSC-CS-treated compared to vehicle-treated APP/PS1 mice. Our data prove that MSC-CS displays a great multi-level therapeutic potential, and lay the foundation for identifying the therapeutic secretome bioreactors leading to the development of an efficacious multi-reparative cocktail drug, towards abrogating the need for MSC implantation and risks related to their direct use.
Deficiency of microRNA-628-5p promotes the progression of gastric cancer by upregulating PIN1
Authors: Chen Yang , Wu Yaran , Yu Shuhui , Yang Hongying , Wang Xiya , Zhang Yali , Zhu Shunqin , Jie Mengmeng , Liu Cheng , Li Xinzhe , Zhou You , Yang Shiming , Yang Yingbin
Published: July 2020

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. PIN1, belonging to peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase family, uniquely catalyzes the structural transformation of phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motif. It’s high expressed in most cancers and promotes their progression. However, the mechanism of PIN1 high expression and its function in gastric cancer progression are still unclear. In this research, we revealed that PIN1 not only promotes the proliferation and colony formation of gastric cancer, but also increases its migration and invasion. The PIN1 expression in metastasis lesion is usually higher than the corresponding primary site. Inhibiting PIN1 by shRNA suppresses the progression of gastric cancer significantly. Besides, we demonstrated that miR-628-5p is a novel PIN1-targeted microRNA, and the expression of miR-628-5p is negatively correlated with PIN1 in gastric cancer. Exogenous expression of miR-628-5p inhibits the progression of gastric cancer that revered by restoring PIN1 expression. However, miR-628-5p is downregulated in majority of gastric cancer tissue especially in metastasis lesion. The lower miR-628-5p level indicates poorer prognosis. In summary, our study demonstrated that deficient miR-628-5p expression facilitates the expression of PIN1, and consequently promotes the progression of gastric cancer.
Ambient methane functionalization initiated by electrochemical oxidation of a vanadium (V)-oxo dimer
Authors: Deng Jiao , Lin Sheng-Chih , Fuller Jack , Iñiguez Jesus A. , Xiang Danlei , Yang Di , Chan Gary , Chen Hao Ming , Alexandrova Anastassia N. , Liu Chong
Published: July 2020

The abundant yet widely distributed methane resources require efficient conversion of methane into liquid chemicals, whereas an ambient selective process with minimal infrastructure support remains to be demonstrated. Here we report selective electrochemical oxidation of CH4to methyl bisulfate (CH3OSO3H) at ambient pressure and room temperature with a molecular catalyst of vanadium (V)-oxo dimer. This water-tolerant, earth-abundant catalyst possesses a low activation energy (10.8 kcal mol‒1) and a high turnover frequency (483 and 1336 hr−1at 1-bar and 3-bar pure CH4, respectively). The catalytic system electrochemically converts natural gas mixture into liquid products under ambient conditions over 240 h with a Faradaic efficiency of 90% and turnover numbers exceeding 100,000. This tentatively proposed mechanism is applicable to other d0early transition metal species and represents a new scalable approach that helps mitigate the flaring or direct emission of natural gas at remote locations.
Microbial diversity drives carbon use efficiency in a model soil
Authors: Domeignoz-Horta Luiz A. , Pold Grace , Liu Xiao-Jun Allen , Frey Serita D. , Melillo Jerry M. , DeAngelis Kristen M.
Published: July 2020

Empirical evidence for the response of soil carbon cycling to the combined effects of warming, drought and diversity loss is scarce. Microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) plays a central role in regulating the flow of carbon through soil, yet how biotic and abiotic factors interact to drive it remains unclear. Here, we combine distinct community inocula (a biotic factor) with different temperature and moisture conditions (abiotic factors) to manipulate microbial diversity and community structure within a model soil. While community composition and diversity are the strongest predictors of CUE, abiotic factors modulated the relationship between diversity and CUE, with CUE being positively correlated with bacterial diversity only under high moisture. Altogether these results indicate that the diversity × ecosystem-function relationship can be impaired under non-favorable conditions in soils, and that to understand changes in soil C cycling we need to account for the multiple facets of global changes.
Author Correction: Assessment of brain reference genes for RT-qPCR studies in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Rydbirk Rasmus , Folke Jonas , Winge Kristian , Aznar Susana , Pakkenberg Bente , Brudek Tomasz
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of poor sleep quality among older adults in Hebei province, China
Authors: Zhang Yun-Shu , Jin Yu , Rao Wen-Wang , Jiang Yuan-Yuan , Cui Li-Jun , Li Jian-Feng , Li Lin , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ng Chee H. , Li Ke-Qing , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: July 2020

Poor sleep quality is associated with negative health outcomes and high treatment burden. This study investigated the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its socio-demographic correlates among older adults in Hebei province, which is a predominantly agricultural region of China. A large-scale cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted from April to August 2016. The study used a multistage, stratified, cluster random sampling method. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A total of 3,911 participants were included. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (defined as PSQI > 7) was 21.0% (95% CI 19.7–22.2%), with 22.3% (95% CI 20.9–23.8%) in rural areas and 15.9% (95% CI 13.4–18.4%) in urban areas. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that female gender (P < 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.00–2.82), rural areas (P = 0.002, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.14–1.86), presence of major medical conditions (P < 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.02–2.96) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.60–4.39) were independently associated with higher risk of poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was common among older adults in Hebei province of China. Regular assessment of sleep quality and accessible sleep treatments for older population should be provided in agricultural areas of China.
PI3K-targeting strategy using alpelisib to enhance the antitumor effect of paclitaxel in human gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Kui-Jin , Kim Ji-Won , Sung Ji Hea , Suh Koung Jin , Lee Ji Yun , Kim Se Hyun , Lee Jeong-Ok , Kim Jin Won , Kim Yu Jung , Kim Jee Hyun , Bang Soo-Mee , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Hark Kyun , Lee Keun-Wook
Published: July 2020

PIK3CA mutations are frequently observed in various human cancers including gastric cancer (GC). This study was conducted to investigate the anti-tumor effects of alpelisib, a PI3K p110α-specific inhibitor, using preclinical models of GC. In addition, the combined effects of alpelisib and paclitaxel on GC were evaluated. Among the SNU1, SNU16, SNU484, SNU601, SNU638, SNU668, AGS, and MKN1 GC cells, three PIK3CA-mutant cells were predominantly sensitive to alpelisib. Alpelisib monotherapy decreased AKT and S6K1 phosphorylation and induced G0/G1 phase arrest regardless of PIK3CA mutational status. The alpelisib and paclitaxel combination demonstrated synergistic anti-proliferative effects, preferentially on PIK3CA-mutant cells, resulting in increased DNA damage response and apoptosis. In addition, alpelisib and paclitaxel combination potentiated anti-migratory activity in PIK3CA-mutant cells. Alpelisib partially reversed epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers in PIK3CA-mutant cells. In a xenograft model of MKN1 cells, the alpelisib and paclitaxel combination significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity by decreasing Ki-67 expression and increasing apoptosis. Moreover, this combination tended to prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our data suggest promising anti-tumor efficacy of alpelisib alone or in combination with paclitaxel in PIK3CA-mutant GC cells.
Contribution of plant-induced pressurized flow to CH4 emission from a Phragmites fen
Authors: van den Berg Merit , van den Elzen Eva , Ingwersen Joachim , Kosten Sarian , Lamers Leon P. M. , Streck Thilo
Published: July 2020

The widespread wetland species Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. has the ability to transport gases through its stems via a pressurized flow. This results in a high oxygen (O2) transport to the rhizosphere, suppressing methane (CH4) production and stimulating CH4 oxidation. Simultaneously CH4 is transported in the opposite direction to the atmosphere, bypassing the oxic surface layer. This raises the question how this plant-mediated gas transport in Phragmites affects the net CH4 emission. A field experiment was set-up in a Phragmites-dominated fen in Germany, to determine the contribution of all three gas transport pathways (plant-mediated, diffusive and ebullition) during the growth stage of Phragmites from intact vegetation (control), from clipped stems (CR) to exclude the pressurized flow, and from clipped and sealed stems (CSR) to exclude any plant-transport. Clipping resulted in a 60% reduced diffusive + plant-mediated flux (control: 517, CR: 217, CSR: 279 mg CH4 m−2 day−1). Simultaneously, ebullition strongly increased by a factor of 7–13 (control: 10, CR: 71, CSR: 126 mg CH4 m−2 day−1). This increase of ebullition did, however, not compensate for the exclusion of pressurized flow. Total CH4 emission from the control was 2.3 and 1.3 times higher than from CR and CSR respectively, demonstrating the significant role of pressurized gas transport in Phragmites-stands.
Cardioprotective effects of miR-34a silencing in a rat model of doxorubicin toxicity
Authors: Piegari Elena , Cozzolino Anna , Ciuffreda Loreta Pia , Cappetta Donato , De Angelis Antonella , Urbanek Konrad , Rossi Francesco , Berrino Liberato
Published: July 2020

Cardiotoxicity remains a serious problem in anthracycline-treated oncologic patients. Therapeutic modulation of microRNA expression is emerging as a cardioprotective approach in several cardiovascular pathologies. MiR-34a increased in animals and patients exposed to anthracyclines and is involved in cardiac repair. In our previous study, we demonstrated beneficial effects of miR-34a silencing in rat cardiac cells exposed to doxorubicin (DOXO). The aim of the present work is to evaluate the potential cardioprotective properties of a specific antimiR-34a (Ant34a) in an experimental model of DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. Results indicate that in our model systemic administration of Ant34a completely silences miR-34a myocardial expression and importantly attenuates DOXO-induced cardiac dysfunction. Ant34a systemic delivery in DOXO-treated rats triggers an upregulation of prosurvival miR-34a targets Bcl-2 and SIRT1 that mediate a reduction of DOXO-induced cardiac damage represented by myocardial apoptosis, senescence, fibrosis and inflammation. These findings suggest that miR-34a therapeutic inhibition may have clinical relevance to attenuate DOXO-induced toxicity in the heart of oncologic patients.
Immune expression signatures as candidate prognostic biomarkers of age and gender survival differences in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Kim Yi-Jun , Kim Kyubo , Lee Kye Hwa , Kim Jiyoung , Jung Wonguen
Published: July 2020

This study aims to investigate the difference of gene expression and its prognostic significance in younger women with melanoma. Significantly upregulated genes in tumors compared to normal skin tissues were extracted. Among these genes, genes that significantly affected survival according to expression level were selected, and pathway annotation was performed. The patient proportion with high/low expression of the most significant pathways was analyzed in each age (< 50, 50–59, ≥ 60) and gender group. Survival was analyzed according to age, gender, and pathways. The most significant pathways that were upregulated in tumor tissues and also had impacts on survival were programmed cell death protein [PD]-1, interferon-γ, and interferon-α/β pathways. In women, the immune signaling rate in patients was higher than men and decreased with age (63.5%, 53.8%, and 47.6%). In men, the decreasing tendency was minimal (47.6%, 50.0%, and 41.6%). In patients aged < 60 years, women had a favorable survival rate than men (p = 0.055). Except for patients with high immune signaling, no survival difference was observed between genders (p = 0.6). In conclusion, younger female melanoma patients had high immune signaling than older women and men. This immune signaling improved survival of the younger female patients.
Sources of solutes and carbon cycling in perennially ice-covered Lake Untersee, Antarctica
Authors: Marsh Nicole B. , Lacelle Denis , Faucher Benoit , Cotroneo Sarina , Jasperse Liam , Clark Ian D. , Andersen Dale T.
Published: July 2020

Perennially ice-covered lakes that host benthic microbial ecosystems are present in many regions of Antarctica. Lake Untersee is an ultra-oligotrophic lake that is substantially different from any other lakes on the continent as it does not develop a seasonal moat and therefore shares similarities to sub-glacial lakes where they are sealed to the atmosphere. Here, we determine the source of major solutes and carbon to Lake Untersee, evaluate the carbon cycling and assess the metabolic functioning of microbial mats using an isotope geochemistry approach. The findings suggest that the glacial meltwater recharging the closed-basin and well-sealed Lake Untersee largely determines the major solute chemistry of the oxic water column with plagioclase and alumino-silicate weathering contributing < 5% of the Ca2+–Na+ solutes to the lake. The TIC concentration in the lake is very low and is sourced from melting of glacial ice and direct release of occluded CO2 gases into the water column. The comparison of δ13CTIC of the oxic lake waters with the δ13C in the top microbial mat layer show no fractionation due to non-discriminating photosynthetic fixation of HCO3– in the high pH and carbon-starved water. The 14C results indicate that phototrophs are also fixing respired CO2 from heterotrophic metabolism of the underlying microbial mats layers. The findings provide insights into the development of collaboration in carbon partitioning within the microbial mats to support their growth in a carbon-starved ecosystem.
Presence of intrinsically disordered proteins can inhibit the nucleation phase of amyloid fibril formation of Aβ(1–42) in amino acid sequence independent manner
Authors: Ikeda Koki , Suzuki Shota , Shigemitsu Yoshiki , Tenno Takeshi , Goda Natsuko , Oshima Atsunori , Hiroaki Hidekazu
Published: July 2020

The molecular shield effect was studied for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that do not adopt compact and stable protein folds. IDPs are found among many stress-responsive gene products and cryoprotective- and drought-protective proteins. We recently reported that some fragments of human genome-derived IDPs are cryoprotective for cellular enzymes, despite a lack of relevant amino acid sequence motifs. This sequence-independent IDP function may reflect their molecular shield effect. This study examined the inhibitory activity of IDPs against fibril formation in an amyloid beta peptide (Aβ(1–42)) model system. Four of five human genome-derived IDPs (size range 20 to 44 amino acids) showed concentration-dependent inhibition of amyloid formation (IC50 range between 60 and 130 μM against 20 μM Aβ(1–42)). The IC50 value was two orders of magnitude lower than that of polyethylene-glycol and dextran, used as neutral hydrophilic polymer controls. Nuclear magnetic resonance with 15 N-labeled Aβ(1–42) revealed no relevant molecular interactions between Aβ(1–42) and IDPs. The inhibitory activities were abolished by adding external amyloid-formation seeds. Therefore, IDPs seemed to act only at the amyloid nucleation phase but not at the elongation phase. These results suggest that IDPs (0.1 mM or less) have a molecular shield effect that prevents aggregation of susceptible molecules.
Effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharides on platelet function: inhibition of weak platelet activation
Authors: Martyanov Alexey A. , Maiorov Aleksandr S. , Filkova Aleksandra A. , Ryabykh Alexander A. , Svidelskaya Galina S. , Artemenko Elena O. , Gambaryan Stepan P. , Panteleev Mikhail A. , Sveshnikova Anastasia N.
Published: July 2020

Platelets are anucleate blood cells with reported roles in hemostasis and immune responses, which possess a functional receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), the well-known inducers of inflammation. However, LPSs effects on platelets are contradictory. Here we aim to investigate mechanisms of platelet functioning in the presence of LPS and to find the cause of the discrepancy in the previously published data. Cell activity was analyzed by flow cytometry, western blotting, and aggregometry. Thrombus growth was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. LPS' activity was checked by their capability to induce PMN activation. However, LPSs did not substantially affect either thrombus growth in flow chambers, irreversible platelet aggregation, or platelet responses to strong activation. Platelet aggregation in response to 1 μM of ADP was significantly inhibited by LPSs. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that platelet activation responses to weak stimulation were also diminished by LPSs, while VASP phosphorylation was weakly increased. Additionally, LPSs were capable of inhibition of ADP-induced P2-receptor desensitization. Incubation of platelets with a pan-PDE inhibitor IBMX significantly enhanced the LPSs-induced platelet inhibition, implying cAMP/cGMP dependent mechanism. The discrepancy in the previously published data could be explained by LPS-induced weak inhibition of platelet activation and the prevention of platelet desensitization.
Biases in estimation of insect herbivory from herbarium specimens
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Sokolova Irina V. , Zverev Vitali , Egorov Alexander A. , Goncharov Mikhail Y. , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: July 2020

Information regarding plant damage by insects in the past is essential to explore impacts of climate change on herbivory. We asked whether insect herbivory measured from herbarium specimens reflects the levels of herbivory occurring in nature at the time of herbarium sampling. We compared herbivory measurements between herbarium specimens collected by botany students and ecological samples collected simultaneously by the authors by a method that minimized unconscious biases, and asked herbarium curators to select one of two plant specimens, which differed in leaf damage, for their collections. Both collectors and curators generally preferred specimens with lesser leaf damage, but the strength of this preference varied among persons. In addition, the differences in measured leaf damage between ecological samples and herbarium specimens varied among plant species and increased with the increase in field herbivory. Consequently, leaf damage in herbarium specimens did not correlate with the actual level of herbivory. We conclude that studies of herbarium specimens produce biased information on past levels of herbivory, because leaf damage measured from herbarium specimens not only underestimates field herbivory, but it is not proportional to the level of damage occurring in nature due to multiple factors that cannot be controlled in data analysis.
TaqMan-MGB probe quantitative PCR assays to genotype and quantify three mtDNA mutations of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Xue Bingqian , Li Yang , Wang Xin , Li Rui , Zeng Xin , Yang Meihua , Xu Xiaohui , Ye Tingbo , Bao Liming , Huang Yi
Published: July 2020

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with one of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and m.14484T>C mutations. Although several procedures are available to genotype these mutations, quantitative approaches with rapid, low-cost and easy to handle advantages for three LHON mtDNA mutations are rarely reported. Here, we firstly developed a “one-step” tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (T-ARMS) PCR for qualitative genotyping of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Subsequently, we established single, duplex and triplex TaqMan MGB probe-based fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Standard curves based on tenfold diluted plasmid standard exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, stable repeatability and reliable detectable ability of TaqMan probe qPCR assays without cross-reactivity upon probes combination. Moreover, by comparing with SYBR Green qPCR, we further validated the feasibility of the triplex-probe qPCR assay for the quantitative detection of mtDNA copy number in blood samples. In conclusion, our study describes a rapid, low-cost, easy to-handle, and high-throughput TaqMan-MGB probe qPCR assay to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis of three primary LHON mtDNA mutations, offering a promising approach for genetic screening and testing of LHON mutations.
Time-saving method for directly amplifying and capturing a minimal amount of pancreatic tumor-derived mutations from fine-needle aspirates using digital PCR
Authors: Ono Yusuke , Hayashi Akihiro , Maeda Chiho , Suzuki Mayumi , Wada Reona , Sato Hiroki , Kawabata Hidemasa , Okada Tetsuhiro , Goto Takuma , Karasaki Hidenori , Mizukami Yusuke , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: July 2020

It is challenging to secure a cytopathologic diagnosis using minute amounts of tumor fluids and tissue fragments. Hence, we developed a rapid, accurate, low-cost method for detecting tumor cell-derived DNA from limited amounts of specimens and samples with a low tumor cellularity, to detect KRAS mutations in pancreatic ductal carcinomas (PDA) using digital PCR (dPCR). The core invention is based on the suspension of tumor samples in pure water, which causes an osmotic burst; the crude suspension could be directly subjected to emulsion PCR in the platform. We examined the feasibility of this process using needle aspirates from surgically resected pancreatic tumor specimens (n = 12). We successfully amplified and detected mutant KRAS in 11 of 12 tumor samples harboring the mutation; the positive mutation frequency was as low as 0.8%. We used residual specimens from fine-needle aspiration/biopsy and needle flush processes (n = 10) for method validation. In 9 of 10 oncogenic KRAS pancreatic tumor samples, the "water-burst" method resulted in a positive mutation call. We describe a dPCR-based, super-sensitive screening protocol for determining KRAS mutation availability using tiny needle aspirates from PDAs processed using simple steps. This method might enable pathologists to secure a more accurate, minimally invasive diagnosis using minute tissue fragments.
Growth dynamics of galls and chemical defence response of Pinus thunbergii Parl. to the pine needle gall midge, Thecodiplosis japonensis Uchida & Inouye (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Qi Yukun , Duan Chunhua , Ren Lili , Wu Haiwei
Published: July 2020

The pine needle gall midge, Thecodiplosis japonensis Uchida et Inouye, is a newly invasive pest in China that mainly harms Pinus thunbergii and P. densiflora. The occurrence and damage caused by T. japonensis in pure stands of P. thunbergii were investigated, and the needle growth and needle compound content were measured. Based on the above steps, the growth dynamics of galls and chemical defense response of P. thunbergii to attack by the gall midge were revealed. The results showed that the adults of T. japonensis in Qingdao city, China, emerged from the end of May to late July, with a peak in mid-June. Needles of P. thunbergii began to differentiate in late June and stopped growing in mid-September. The length of infested needles was 60.17% less than that of healthy needles. On average, there were 9 ± 4 larvae in each gall, 22 at most and 1 at least. The number of larvae within a gall had no significant effect on the size of the gall or larvae. Compared with that in the ungalled tissues, the content of amino acids in the galled pine needle tissues increased by 40.83%, while the content of total polyphenols, tannins, carotenoids, total triterpenes, total alkaloids and other secondary substances decreased to varying degrees, which was favourable for the growth and development of the T. japonensis larvae.
The role of the immune system and the biomarker CD3 + CD4 + CD45RA−CD62L− in the pathophysiology of migraine
Authors: Pavelek Zbyšek , Souček Ondřej , Krejsek Jan , Sobíšek Lukáš , Klímová Blanka , Masopust Jiří , Kuča Kamil , Vališ Martin
Published: July 2020

The role of the immune system as an integral component of the inflammatory response in the pathophysiology of migraine remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in immune system parameters (acquired immunity parameters) in patients with episodic migraine (EM) and in healthy controls. In EM patients, we aimed to determine whether the changes found in peripheral blood parameters were related to migraine severity according to the standardised MIDAS and HIT-6 tests. Forty-nine patients with EM and 50 healthy controls were included in this study. The authors compared different lymphocyte parameters obtained by multicolor flow cytometry in the EM and control groups by performing statistical tests. The relationship between the changes in peripheral blood parameters and migraine severity in EM patients was investigated using correlation and regression analysis. EM patients showed higher values than healthy controls, especially in nine parameters: relative count of lymphocytes, relative and absolute counts of CD3 T cells, relative and absolute counts of CD8 suppressor cytotoxic T cells, relative and absolute counts of CD4 + TEMRA (terminally differentiated helper T lymphocytes), absolute count of CD8 naïve T cells, and absolute count of CD19 switched memory B cells. Among the lymphocyte parameters, CD4 + TEM (effector memory helper T lymphocytes) and CD8 + TEMRA (terminally differentiated cytotoxic T lymphocytes) were statistically significantly associated with HIT-6. Patients with a CD4 + TEM value below 15 had a high probability (90%) that the HIT-6 value would be higher than 60. The results of this study show that EM patients have changes in immune system parameters measured in the peripheral blood. Changes in the abundance of CD4 + TEM could be used as a biomarker for disease severity.
NOD1 deficiency promotes an imbalance of thyroid hormones and microbiota homeostasis in mice fed high fat diet
Authors: González-Ramos Silvia , Paz-García Marta , Fernández-García Victoria , Portune Kevin J. , Acosta-Medina Emilio F. , Sanz Yolanda , Castrillo Antonio , Martín-Sanz Paloma , Obregon Maria Jesus , Boscá Lisardo
Published: July 2020

The contribution of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein NOD1 to obesity has been investigated in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). Absence of NOD1 accelerates obesity as early as 2 weeks after feeding a HFD. The obesity was due to increases in abdominal and inguinal adipose tissues. Analysis of the resting energy expenditure showed an impaired function in NOD1-deficient animals, compatible with an alteration in thyroid hormone homeostasis. Interestingly, free thyroidal T4 increased in NOD1-deficient mice fed a HFD and the expression levels of UCP1 in brown adipose tissue were significantly lower in NOD1-deficient mice than in the wild type animals eating a HFD, thus contributing to the observed adiposity in NOD1-deficient mice. Feeding a HFD resulted in an alteration of the proinflammatory profile of these animals, with an increase in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver and in the white adipose tissue, and an elevation of the circulating levels of TNF-α. In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota in NOD1-deficient mice correlate with increased vulnerability of their ecosystem to the HFD challenge and affect the immune-metabolic phenotype of obese mice. Together, the data are compatible with a protective function of NOD1 against low-grade inflammation and obesity under nutritional conditions enriched in saturated lipids. Moreover, one of the key players of this early obesity onset is a dysregulation in the metabolism and release of thyroid hormones leading to reduced energy expenditure, which represents a new role for these hormones in the metabolic actions controlled by NOD1.
Leflunomide monotherapy versus combination therapy with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective study
Authors: Deng Daihua , Zhou Jun , Li Min , Li Siyin , Tian Lan , Zou Jinmei , Wang Tingting , Wu Jianhong , Zeng Fanxin , Yang Jing
Published: July 2020

Leflunomide (LEF) is a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are few reports on the comparison of efficacy between LEF alone and combined with other csDMARDs. Here, the efficacy and safety of LEF monotherapy (88) and combination (361) therapy groups were evaluated. After 3 months, there were no significant differences in 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) between the monotherapy and combination groups (all P > 0.05). According to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria, it was found that the DAS28 response rates were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). Besides, the two groups presented similar safety profiles. Subgroup analysis found that there was no difference in efficacy among the three combined therapies (LEF + methotrexate (MTX), LEF + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and LEF + MTX + HCQ) and LEF monotherapy. Furthermore, when the dose of LEF was less than 40 mg/day, no significant difference in efficacy was observed between low and high doses. Overall, these results indicated that low dose LEF monotherapy was not inferior to the combination therapy.
Study on the preparation of geranyl acetone and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its application in cigarette flavoring
Authors: Du Fu , Pan Tingting , Ji Xiaoming , Hu Jingyan , Ren Tianbao
Published: July 2020

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complex containing geranyl acetone as a guest was prepared by saturated water solution method. Furthermore, the structure and properties of the inclusion complex were studied. The formation of the inclusion complex was demonstrated by. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermodynamic analysis of the inclusion complex showed that the inclusion reaction is an endothermic spontaneous reaction. The average of △H, △S and △G is 11.66 kJ mol−1, 0.082 kJ mol−1 and − 14.49 kJ mol−1, respectively. Moreover, the kinetic analysis of thermal decomposition of the inclusion compound showed that the thermal decomposition reaction is a first-order reaction (the inclusion ratio is 1:1), the average activation energy of the reaction is 180.90 kJ mol−1, and the binding force in the inclusion compound is mainly Van der Waals force. The flavor test of cigarettes showed that the inclusion compound improved the stability of geranyl acetone and the sensory quality of cigarettes. This study improves the solubility and thermal stability of geranyl acetone, and provides theoretical support and technical guidance for expanding the application of geranyl acetone.
Author Correction: Increased susceptibility of airway epithelial cells from ataxia-telangiectasia to S. pneumoniae infection due to oxidative damage and impaired innate immunity
Authors: Yeo Abrey J. , Henningham Anna , Fantino Emmanuelle , Galbraith Sally , Krause Lutz , Wainwright Claire E. , Sly Peter D. , Lavin Martin F.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ellagic acid and urolithin A modulate the immune response in LPS-stimulated U937 monocytic cells and THP-1 differentiated macrophages
Authors: Rønning Sissel Beate , Voldvik Vibeke , Bergum Silje Kristine , Aaby Kjersti , Borge Grethe Iren A.
Published: July 2020

Dietary polyphenols are subjected, following ingestion, to an extensive metabolism, and the molecules that act at the cellular and tissue level will be, most likely, metabolites rather than native polyphenols.
A magneto-controlled microfluidic device for voltammetric immunoassay of carbohydrate antigen-125 with silver–polypyrrole nanotags
Authors: Huang Jiyi , Huang Chaoqun , Zhong Weimin , Lin Yao
Published: July 2020

An innovative magnetic immunoassay was developed for the voltammetric detection of carbohydrate antigen-125 on a home-made microfluidic device including a multisyringe pump, selection valve and magneto-controlled detection cell.
Micro- and nano-sized amine-terminated magnetic beads in a ligand fishing assay
Authors: de Lima Juliana Maria , Furlani Izadora Liranço , da Silva Larissa Ramos Guimarães , Valverde Alessandra Leda , Cass Quezia Bezerra
Published: July 2020

Functionalized micro- and nano-sized magnetic beads (MBs) as supports for affinity-based assays.
Control of local flexibility towards p-xylene sieving in Hofmann-type porous coordination polymers
Authors: Shivanna Mohana , Otake Ken-ichi , Zheng Jia-Jia , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: July 2020

Tuning of local flexibility towards p-xylene achieved by the control of the specific combination of coordination metal centers in Hofmann-type porous coordination polymers.
Nanoscale optical imaging in chemistry
Authors: Wilson Andrew J. , Devasia Dinumol , Jain Prashant K.
Published: July 2020

New advances in label-free optical imaging methods are allowing a wide range of chemical processes in surface science, catalysis, and photochemistry to be probed on the nanoscale and single-molecule levels.
A new polar perovskite coordination network with azaspiroundecane as A-site cation
Authors: Burger Stefan , Kronawitter Silva , Boström Hanna L. B. , Zaręba Jan K. , Kieslich Gregor
Published: July 2020

We report a new polar ABX3 perovskite coordination network based on azaspiroundecane as A-site cation and dicyanamide as X-site anion.
Correction: The global technical and economic potential of bioenergy from salt-affected soils
Authors: Wicke Birka , Smeets Edward , Dornburg Veronika , Vashev Boris , Gaiser Thomas , Turkenburg Wim , Faaij André
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘The global technical and economic potential of bioenergy from salt-affected soils’ by Birka Wicke et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2011, 4, 2669–2681, DOI: 10.1039/C1EE01029H.
A multi-targeting strategy to ameliorate high-fat-diet- and fructose-induced (western diet-induced) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with supplementation of a mixture of legume ethanol extracts
Authors: Koh Yen-Chun , Lin Yen-Cheng , Lee Pei-Sheng , Lu Ting-Jang , Lin Kai-Yi , Pan Min-Hsiung
Published: July 2020

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is a multifactorial liver disease related to multiple causes or unhealthy conditions, including obesity and chronic inflammation.
Graphene oxide/gold nanorod plasmonic paper – a simple and cost-effective SERS substrate for anticancer drug analysis
Authors: Ponlamuangdee Kanyawan , Hornyak Gabor L. , Bora Tanujjal , Bamrungsap Suwussa
Published: July 2020

A simple and cost-effective plasmonic paper as a SERS substrate based on a combination of graphene oxide (GO) and gold nanorods (AuNRs).
Preparation of aromatic γ-hydroxyketones by means of Heck coupling of aryl halides and 2,3-dihydrofuran, catalyzed by a palladium(ii) glycine complex under microwave irradiation
Authors: Jiménez-Cruz Juan C. , Guzmán-Mejía Ramón , Juaristi Eusebio , Sánchez-Antonio Omar , García-Revilla Marco A. , González-Campos J. Betzabe , Aviña-Verduzco Judit
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of phenyl-γ-hydroxyketones through Heck coupling and subsequent opening of the tetrahydrofuran ring by the nucleophilic attack of a water molecule catalyzed by PdCl2·Gly2under microwave irradiation.
Rocaglamide and silvestrol: a long story from anti-tumor to anti-coronavirus compounds
Authors: Schulz Göran , Victoria Catherine , Kirschning Andreas , Steinmann Eike
Published: July 2020

The flavagline silvestrol is a potential candidate against viral infections including COVID-19.
Balancing the transesterification reactivity of isosorbide with diphenyl carbonate: preferential activation of exo-OH
Authors: Zhang Ming , Tu Yifei , Zhou Zibo , Wu Guozhang
Published: July 2020

Exo-OH on ISB has long been asserted as a highly reactive moiety compared with endo-OH. Herein, we report that the nucleophilic attack surmounts steric hindrance in rendering endo-OH more reactive than exo-OH in case of transesterification with DPC.
Flexible, portable and heatable non-woven fabric with directional moisture transport functions and ultra-fast evaporation
Authors: Xu Jinhao , Xin Binjie , Du Xuanxuan , Wang Chun , Chen Zhuoming , Zheng Yuansheng , Zhou Mengjuan
Published: July 2020

Functional non-woven fabric with directional moisture transport and ultra-fast evaporation properties is demonstrated.
Droplet microfluidics: fundamentals and its advanced applications
Authors: Sohrabi Somayeh , kassir Nour , Keshavarz Moraveji Mostafa
Published: July 2020

Droplet-based microfluidic systems have been shown to be compatible with many chemical and biological reagents and capable of performing a variety of operations that can be rendered programmable and reconfigurable.
Correction: Development and characterization of a babassu nut oil-based moisturizing cosmetic emulsion with a high sun protection factor
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Michael Jackson , Mendes Rodrigues Alisson , Sousa Vieira Italo Rennan , de Araújo Neves Gelmires , Rodrigues Menezes Romualdo , da Graça do Rosário Gonçalves Eloisa , Pires Costa Maria Célia
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Development and characterization of a babassu nut oil-based moisturizing cosmetic emulsion with a high sun protection factor’ by Michael Jackson Ferreira da Silva et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 26268–26276, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00647E.
Correction: Single-molecule nanopore sensing of actin dynamics and drug binding
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Wilkinson Mark D. , Lin Xiaoyan , Ren Ren , Willison Keith R. , Ivanov Aleksandar P. , Baum Jake , Edel Joshua B.
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Single-molecule nanopore sensing of actin dynamics and drug binding’ by Xiaoyi Wang et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 970–979, DOI: 10.1039/C9SC05710B.
A spectroscopic and molecular dynamics study on the aggregation process of a long-acting lipidated therapeutic peptide: the case of semaglutide
Authors: Venanzi M. , Savioli M. , Cimino R. , Gatto E. , Palleschi A. , Ripani G. , Cicero D. , Placidi E. , Orvieto F. , Bianchi E.
Published: July 2020

The aggregation of semaglutide was followed from the early time steps to the late formation of mesoscopic dendrimeric structures.
Data-driven coarse-grained modeling of polymers in solution with structural and dynamic properties conserved
Authors: Wang Shu , Ma Zhan , Pan Wenxiao
Published: July 2020

We present data-driven coarse-grained (CG) modeling for polymers in solution, which conserves the dynamic as well as structural properties of the underlying atomistic system.