bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-driven niche differentiation of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in global drylands
Authors: Trivedi Chanda , Reich Peter B , Maestre Fernando T , Hu Hang-Wei , Singh Brajesh K , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel
Published: June 2019

Under controlled laboratory conditions, high and low ammonium availability are known to favor soil ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) communities, respectively. However, whether this niche segregation is maintained under field conditions in terrestrial ecosystems remains unresolved, particularly at the global scale. We hypothesized that perennial vegetation might favor AOB vs. AOA communities compared with adjacent open areas devoid of perennial vegetation (i.e., bare soil) via several mechanisms, including increasing the amount of ammonium in soil. To test this niche-differentiation hypothesis, we conducted a global field survey including 80 drylands from 6 continents. Data supported our hypothesis, as soils collected under plant canopies had higher levels of ammonium, as well as higher richness (number of terminal restriction fragments; T-RFs) and abundance (qPCR amoA genes) of AOB, and lower richness and abundance of AOA, than those collected in open areas located between plant canopies. Some of the reported associations between plant canopies and AOA and AOB communities can be a consequence of the higher organic matter and available N contents found under plant canopies. Other aspects of soils associated with vegetation including shading and microclimatic conditions might also help explain our results. Our findings provide strong evidence for niche differentiation between AOA and AOB communities in drylands worldwide, advancing our understanding of their ecology and biogeography at the global scale.
ABCB1 protects bat cells from DNA damage induced by genotoxic compounds
Authors: Koh Javier , Itahana Yoko , Mendenhall Ian H. , Low Dolyce , Soh Eunice Xin Yi , Guo Alvin Kunyao , Chionh Yok Teng , Wang Lin-Fa , Itahana Koji
Published: June 2019

Bats are unusual mammals, with the ability to fly, and long lifespans. In addition, bats have a low incidence of cancer, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Here we discovered that bat cells are more resistant than human and mouse cells to DNA damage induced by genotoxic drugs. We found that bat cells accumulate less chemical than human and mouse cells, and efficient drug efflux mediated by the ABC transporter ABCB1 underlies this improved response to genotoxic reagents. Inhibition of ABCB1 triggers an accumulation of doxorubicin, DNA damage, and cell death. ABCB1 is expressed at higher levels in several cell lines and tissues derived from bats compared to humans. Furthermore, increased drug efflux and high expression of ABCB1 are conserved across multiple bat species. Our findings suggest that enhanced efflux protects bat cells from DNA damage induced by genotoxic compounds, which may contribute to their low cancer incidence.
Time-resolved molecular dynamics of single and double hydrogen migration in ethanol
Authors: Kling Nora G. , Díaz-Tendero S. , Obaid R. , Disla M. R. , Xiong H. , Sundberg M. , Khosravi S. D. , Davino M. , Drach P. , Carroll A. M. , Osipov T. , Martín F. , Berrah N.
Published: June 2019

Being the lightest, most mobile atom that exists, hydrogen plays an important role in the chemistry of hydrocarbons, proteins and peptides and most biomolecules. Hydrogen can undergo transfer, exchange and migration processes, having considerable impact on the chemical behavior of these molecules. Although much has been learned about reaction dynamics involving one hydrogen atom, less is known about those processes where two or more hydrogen atoms participate. Here we show that single and double hydrogen migrations occurring in ethanol cations and dications take place within a few hundred fs to ps, using a 3D imaging and laser pump-probe technique. For double hydrogen migration, the hydrogens are not correlated, with the second hydrogen migration promoting the breakup of the C–O bond. The probability of double hydrogen migration is quite significant, suggesting that double hydrogen migration plays a more important role than generally assumed. The conclusions are supported by state-of-the-art molecular dynamics calculations.
Unveiling the synergistic effect of precursor stoichiometry and interfacial reactions for perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yuan Zhongcheng , Miao Yanfeng , Hu Zhangjun , Xu Weidong , Kuang Chaoyang , Pan Kang , Liu Pinlei , Lai Jingya , Sun Baoquan , Wang Jianpu , Bai Sai , Gao Feng
Published: June 2019

Metal halide perovskites are emerging as promising semiconductors for cost-effective and high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Previous investigations have focused on the optimisation of the emissive perovskite layer, for example, through quantum confinement to enhance the radiative recombination or through defect passivation to decrease non-radiative recombination. However, an in-depth understanding of how the buried charge transport layers affect the perovskite crystallisation, though of critical importance, is currently missing for perovskite LEDs. Here, we reveal synergistic effect of precursor stoichiometry and interfacial reactions for perovskite LEDs, and establish useful guidelines for rational device optimization. We reveal that efficient deprotonation of the undesirable organic cations by a metal oxide interlayer with a high isoelectric point is critical to promote the transition of intermediate phases to highly emissive perovskite films. Combining our findings with effective defect passivation of the active layer, we achieve high-efficiency perovskite LEDs with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 19.6%.
Momentum-dependent power law measured in an interacting quantum wire beyond the Luttinger limit
Authors: Jin Y. , Tsyplyatyev O. , Moreno M. , Anthore A. , Tan W. K. , Griffiths J. P. , Farrer I. , Ritchie D. A. , Glazman L. I. , Schofield A. J. , Ford C. J. B.
Published: June 2019

Power laws in physics have until now always been associated with a scale invariance originating from the absence of a length scale. Recently, an emergent invariance even in the presence of a length scale has been predicted by the newly-developed nonlinear-Luttinger-liquid theory for a one-dimensional (1D) quantum fluid at finite energy and momentum, at which the particle’s wavelength provides the length scale. We present experimental evidence for this new type of power law in the spectral function of interacting electrons in a quantum wire using a transport-spectroscopy technique. The observed momentum dependence of the power law in the high-energy region matches the theoretical predictions, supporting not only the 1D theory of interacting particles beyond the linear regime but also the existence of a new type of universality that emerges at finite energy and momentum.
MorphoNet: an interactive online morphological browser to explore complex multi-scale data
Authors: Leggio Bruno , Laussu Julien , Carlier Axel , Godin Christophe , Lemaire Patrick , Faure Emmanuel
Published: June 2019

Powerful novel imaging and image-processing methods are revolutionizing many fields of biology, at scales ranging from the molecule to the functional organ. To support this big-data revolution, we develop a concept of generic web-based morphodynamic browser to interactively visualize complex image datasets, with applications in research and education. MorphoNet handles a broad range of natural or simulated morphological data, onto which quantitative geometric or genetic data can be projected.
Macrophage hypoxia signaling regulates cardiac fibrosis via Oncostatin M
Authors: Abe Hajime , Takeda Norihiko , Isagawa Takayuki , Semba Hiroaki , Nishimura Satoshi , Morioka Masaki Suimye , Nakagama Yu , Sato Tatsuyuki , Soma Katsura , Koyama Katsuhiro , Wake Masaki , Katoh Manami , Asagiri Masataka , Neugent Michael L. , Kim Jung-whan , Stockmann Christian , Yonezawa Tomo , Inuzuka Ryo , Hirota Yasushi , Maemura Koji , Yamashita Takeshi , Otsu Kinya , Manabe Ichiro , Nagai Ryozo , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2019

The fibrogenic response in tissue-resident fibroblasts is determined by the balance between activation and repression signals from the tissue microenvironment. While the molecular pathways by which transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1) activates pro-fibrogenic mechanisms have been extensively studied and are recognized critical during fibrosis development, the factors regulating TGF-β1 signaling are poorly understood. Here we show that macrophage hypoxia signaling suppresses excessive fibrosis in a heart via oncostatin-m (OSM) secretion. During cardiac remodeling, Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages accumulate in hypoxic areas through a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α dependent manner and suppresses cardiac fibroblast activation. As an underlying molecular mechanism, we identify OSM, part of the interleukin 6 cytokine family, as a HIF-1α target gene, which directly inhibits the TGF-β1 mediated activation of cardiac fibroblasts through extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent phosphorylation of the SMAD linker region. These results demonstrate that macrophage hypoxia signaling regulates fibroblast activation through OSM secretion in vivo.
Regulation of exocytosis and mitochondrial relocalization by Alpha-synuclein in a mammalian cell model
Authors: Ramezani Meraj , Wilkes Marcus M. , Das Tapojyoti , Holowka David , Eliezer David , Baird Barbara
Published: June 2019

We characterized phenotypes in RBL-2H3 mast cells transfected with human alpha synuclein (a-syn) using stimulated exocytosis of recycling endosomes as a proxy for similar activities of synaptic vesicles in neurons. We found that low expression of a-syn inhibits stimulated exocytosis and that higher expression causes slight enhancement. NMR measurements of membrane interactions correlate with these functional effects: they are eliminated differentially by mutants that perturb helical structure in the helix 1 (A30P) or NAC/helix-2 (V70P) regions of membrane-bound a-syn, but not by other PD-associated mutants or C-terminal truncation. We further found that a-syn (but not A30P or V70P mutants) associates weakly with mitochondria, but this association increases markedly under conditions of cellular stress. These results highlight the importance of specific structural features of a-syn in regulating vesicle release, and point to a potential role for a-syn in perturbing mitochondrial function under pathological conditions.
Characterization of protein extracts from different types of human teeth and insight in biomineralization
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Srinivasan Alagiri , Roychoudhury Ajoy , Rani Komal , Tyagi Mitali , Dev Kapil , Nikolajeff Fredrik , Kumar Saroj
Published: June 2019

The present study describes an efficient method for isolation and purification of protein extracts from four types of human teeth i.e. molar, premolar, canine, and incisor. Detailed structural characterization of these protein extracts was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) which showed that a major fraction of the proteins present are unstructured in nature including primarily random coils in addition to the other structures like extended beta (β) structure, poly-l-proline-type II (PPII) helix, turns, with only a small fraction constituting of ordered structures like alpha (α) helix and β sheets. These resultant labile structures give the proteins the necessary flexibility that they require to interact with a variety of substrates including different ions like calcium and phosphates and for other protein-protein interactions. We also did initial studies on the mineralization of calcium phosphate with the protein extracts. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) show an increase in the size of calcium phosphate accumulation in the presence of protein extracts. We propose that protein extracts elevate the crystallization process of calcium phosphate. Our current biophysical study provides novel insights into the structural characterization of proteins from human teeth and their implications in understanding the tooth biomineralization. As per our knowledge, this is the first report which focuses on the whole protein extraction from different types of human teeth as these extracts imitate the in vivo tooth mineralization.
The capacity to learn new motor and perceptual calibrations develops concurrently in childhood
Authors: Rossi Cristina , Chau Connie W. , Leech Kristan A. , Statton Matthew A. , Gonzalez Anthony J. , Bastian Amy J.
Published: June 2019

Learning new movements through an error-based process called motor adaptation is thought to involve multiple mechanisms which are still largely not understood. Previous studies have shown that young children adapt movement more slowly than adults, perhaps supporting the involvement of distinct neural circuits that come online at different stages of development. Recent studies in adults have shown that in addition to recalibrating a movement, motor adaptation also leads to changes in the perception of that movement. However, we do not yet understand the relationship between the processes that underlie motor and perceptual recalibration. Here we studied motor and perceptual recalibration with split-belt walking adaptation in adults and children aged 6–8 years. Consistent with previous work, we found that this group of children adapted their walking patterns more slowly than adults, though individual children ranged from slow to adult-like in their adaptation rates. Perceptual recalibration was also reduced in the same group of children compared to adults, with individual children ranging from having no recalibration to having adult–like recalibration. In sum, faster motor adaptation and the ability to recalibrate movement perception both come online within a similar age-range, raising the possibility that the same sensorimotor mechanisms underlie these processes.
On-Surface Synthesis within a Porphyrin Nanoring Template
Authors: Judd Chris J. , Kondratuk Dmitry V. , Anderson Harry L. , Saywell Alex
Published: June 2019

On-surface synthesis provides a route for the production of 1D and 2D covalently bonded polymeric structures. Such reactions are confined to the surface of a substrate and the catalytic properties of the substrate are often utilised to initiate the reaction. Recent studies have focused on the properties of various crystallographic planes of metallic substrates, as well as native surface features such as step-edges, in an effort to provide control over the pathway of the reaction and the resultant products. An alternative approach is to template the catalytic surface with a porous molecular overlayer; giving rise to well-defined surface regions within which an on-surface reaction may be confined. Here we present a methodology where macromolecular templates are used to confine an on-surface reaction. Cyclic porphyrin polymers, nanorings - consisting of 40 porphyrin units with internal diameter 13 nm, are used to form a template on a Au(111) surface, and an on-surface Ullmann-type coupling reaction is initiated within the nanoring template. The surface confined template and covalently coupled reaction products are investigated and characterised with scanning tunnelling microscopy.
A possible association between fructose consumption and pulmonary emphysema
Authors: Suehiro Camila Liyoko , Toledo-Arruda Alessandra Choqueta de , Vieira Rodolfo de Paula , Almeida Francine Maria de , Olivo Clarice Rosa , Martins Milton de Arruda , Lin Chin Jia
Published: June 2019

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a syndrome that comprises several distinct and overlapping phenotypes. In addition to persistent airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms, COPD is also characterized by chronic systemic inflammation. Epidemiological studies have shown that dietary fibers, fruits and vegetables intake protects against the COPD development, while fructose-loading is associated with increased risk of asthma and chronic bronchitis. Since dietary factors might affect susceptibility to COPD by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, we evaluated how fructose feeding might affect the smoking-induced emphysema in mice. We found that chronic fructose intake induced destruction and remodeling of lung parenchyma and impairment of respiratory mechanics, which are associated with distinctive cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood plasma and skeletal muscle. The combined effects of chronic fructose intake and cigarette smoking on destruction of lung parenchyma are more pronounced than the effects of either alone. Excessive intake of fructose might directly cause pulmonary emphysema in mice rather than just altering its natural history by facilitating the installation of a low-grade systemic inflammatory milieu.
Biochar effects on phosphorus availability in agricultural soils: A meta-analysis
Authors: Glaser Bruno , Lehr Verena-Isabell
Published: June 2019

Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient for plants and an essential element for all life on Earth. As the resources of phosphate rock are depleting, new management tools for environmentally friendly P fertilizers are needed. In order to achieve this, recent studies have proposed to use biochar, a carbon-rich solid product of thermochemical conversion of biomass with minimal or zero oxygen supply, as slow-release P fertilizer. However, the effects of biochar on plant-available P in soils have been reported to be variable. Therefore, we quantitatively evaluated existing peer-reviewed data using meta-analysis to draw general conclusions. In the present study, we evaluated 108 pairwise comparisons to their response of biochar application on P availability in soils. Our results indicate that biochar can act as a short-, mid-, and long-term P fertilizer with its effect depending on feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and application amount. Overall, the addition of biochar significantly increased the P availability in agricultural soil by a factor of 4.6 (95% confidence interval 3.4–5.9), independent of the used feedstock for biochar production. Only biochar application amounts above 10 Mg ha−1 and biochar produced at temperatures lower than 600 °C significantly increased the P availability of agricultural soils. The application of biochar to acid (pH < 6.5) and neutral soils (pH 6.5–7.5) significantly increased plant-P availability by a factor of 5.1 and 2.4, respectively (95% confidence interval 3.5–6.7 and 1.4–3.4, respectively), while there was no significant effect in alkaline soils (pH > 7.5). Taken together, this meta-analysis shows that biochar significantly enhances plant-available P in biochar-amended soils at least for five years.
Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent stem cells derived from cryopreserved intact human hair follicles sustain multilineage differentiation potential
Authors: Obara Koya , Tohgi Natsuko , Mii Sumiyuki , Hamada Yuko , Arakawa Nobuko , Aki Ryoichi , Singh Shree Ram , Hoffman Robert M. , Amoh Yasuyuki
Published: June 2019

The bulge area of the hair follicle contains hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells. Here, we present effective cryopreservation procedures of the human hair follicle that preserve the differentiation potential of HAP stem cells. Whole hair follicles isolated from human scalp were cryopreserved by a slow-rate cooling medium and stored in liquid nitrogen. A careful thawing method was used to collect the upper parts of the human hair follicles which were cultured for four weeks in a Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Proliferating hair follicle cells were then shifted to DMEM/Ham’s Nutrient Mixture F-12 medium without FBS and allowed to grow for one week. These proliferating cells were able to produce HAP stem cell colonies with multilineage differentiation capacity. They produced keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, neurons and glial cells. Interestingly, these cryopreserved hair follicles produced pluripotent HAP stem cell colonies similar to fresh follicles. These findings suggest that the cryopreserved whole human hair follicle preserves the ability to produce HAP stem cells, which will enable any individual to preserve a bank of these stem cells for personalized regenerative medicine.
Checking for voice disorders without clinical intervention: The Greek and global VHI thresholds for voice disordered patients
Authors: Tafiadis Dionysios , Chronopoulos Spyridon K. , Helidoni Meropi E. , Kosma Evangelia I. , Voniati Louiza , Papadopoulos Periklis , Murry Thomas , Ziavra Nafsika , Velegrakis George A.
Published: June 2019

Voice disorders often remain undiagnosed. Many self-perceived questionnaires exist for various medical conditions. Here, we used the Greek Voice Handicap Index (VHI) to address the aforementioned problem. Everyone can fill in the VHI questionnaire and rate their symptoms easily. The innovative feature of this research is the global cut-off score calculated for the VHI. Therefore, the VHI is now capable of helping clinicians establish a more customizable treatment plan with the cut-off point identifying patients without normal phonation. For the purpose of finding the global cut-off point, a group of 180 participants was recruited in Greece (90 non-dysphonic participants and 90 with different types of dysphonia). The voice disordered group had higher VHI scores than those of the control group. In contrast to previous studies, we provided and validated for the first time the cut-off points for all VHI domains and, finally, a global cut-off point through ROC and precision-recall analysis in a voice disordered population. In practice, a score higher than the well-estimated global score indicates (without intervention) a possible voice disorder. Nevertheless, if the score is near the threshold, then the patient should definitely follow preventive measures.
Effects of Kinect-based exergaming on frailty status and physical performance in prefrail and frail elderly: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Ying-Yi , Chen I.-Hsuan , Wang Ray-Yau
Published: June 2019

Frailty status can be improved by intervention. Both exergaming and combined exercise have been proposed for improving physical performance in community-dwelling elderly. However, whether frailty status can be improved by exergaming is unclear. Moreover, whether Kinect-based exergaming training can exert a stronger effect on improving frailty status than combined exercise needs to be established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinect-based exergaming on improving frailty status and physical performance in the prefrail and frail elderly by comparing its effects with those of combined exercise. Fifty-two prefrail and frail elderly were recruited and randomized to the Kinect-based exergaming group (EXER group) or combined exercise group (CE group), emphasizing resistance, aerobic, and balance training for 36 sessions over 12 weeks. Our results showed that both groups improved the frailty status (EXER group: p = 0.016, effect size = 2.29; and CE group: p = 0.031, effect size = 2.67). Three out of 5 physical characteristics of the frailty phenotype, namely, weakness, slow walking speed, and low activity level, were significantly reversed by both exergaming and combined exercise. However, the exergaming training also significantly reversed exhaustion. Furthermore, compared with the CE group, the EXER group showed greater improvement in dynamic balance control, as indicated by the forward reaching test (p = 0.0013, effect size = 0.40) and single leg stance test (p = 0.049, effect size = 0.42). Thus, Kinect-based exergaming exerted effects that were at least as beneficial as those of combined exercise in improving frailty status and the frailty phenotype. We recommend the use of exergaming aided by Kinect in the prefrail and frail elderly.
Deciphering the genetic basis of root morphology, nutrient uptake, yield, and yield-related traits in rice under dry direct-seeded cultivation systems
Authors: Sandhu Nitika , Subedi Sushil Raj , Singh Vikas Kumar , Sinha Pallavi , Kumar Santosh , Singh S. P. , Ghimire Surya Kant , Pandey Madhav , Yadaw Ram Baran , Varshney Rajeev K. , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2019

In the face of global water scarcity, a successful transition of rice cultivation from puddled to dry direct-seeded rice (DDSR) is a future need. A genome-wide association study was performed on a complex mapping population for 39 traits: 9 seedling-establishment traits, 14 root and nutrient-uptake traits, 5 plant morphological traits, 4 lodging resistance traits, and 7 yield and yield-contributing traits. A total of 10 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were found along with 25 QTLs associated with 25 traits. The percent phenotypic variance explained by SNPs ranged from 8% to 84%. Grain yield was found to be significantly and positively correlated with seedling-establishment traits, root morphological traits, nutrient uptake-related traits, and grain yield-contributing traits. The genomic colocation of different root morphological traits, nutrient uptake-related traits, and grain-yield-contributing traits further supports the role of root morphological traits in improving nutrient uptake and grain yield under DDSR. The QTLs/candidate genes underlying the significant MTAs were identified. The identified promising progenies carrying these QTLs may serve as potential donors to be exploited in genomics-assisted breeding programs for improving grain yield and adaptability under DDSR.
Effect of myofibril passive elastic properties on the mechanical communication between motor proteins on adjacent sarcomeres
Authors: Washio Takumi , Shintani Seine A. , Higuchi Hideo , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki
Published: June 2019

Rapid sarcomere lengthening waves propagate along a single muscle myofibril during spontaneous oscillatory contraction (SPOC). In asynchronous insect flight muscles, SPOC is thought to be almost completely synchronized over the entire myofibril. This phenomenon does not require Ca2+ regulation of the dynamics of the motor proteins, and cannot be explained simply by the longitudinal mechanical equilibrium among sarcomeres in the myofibril. In the present study, we rationalize these phenomena by considering the lateral mechanical equilibrium, in which two tensions originating from the inverse relationship between sarcomere length and lattice spacing, along with the lattice alignment, play important roles in the mechanical communication between motor proteins on adjacent filaments via the Z-disc. The proposed model is capable of explaining various SPOC phenomena based on the stochastic power-stroke mechanism of motor proteins, which responds to temporal changes in longitudinal mechanical load.
Facilitation and inhibition of firing activity and N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked responses of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells by alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor selective compounds in vivo
Authors: Bali Zsolt Kristóf , Nagy Lili Veronika , Budai Dénes , Hernádi István
Published: June 2019

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are promising novel targets for the treatment of neurocognitive disorders. Although the cognitive enhancer potential of alpha7 nAChR agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) has been confirmed in several preclinical animal models, there are only sparse in vivo electrophysiological data on their effects on the firing activity and excitability of neurons. The present study investigated and compared local effects of alpha7 nAChR agonist PHA-543613 and PAMs PNU-120596 and NS-1738 on the spontaneous and N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked (NMDA-evoked) firing rate of rat CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells, in vivo. Furthermore, effects of alpha7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) and GABA were also tested. Results showed substantially different effects of the alpha7 nAChR agonist and PAMs. While PNU-120596 and NS-1738 predominantly and significantly increased both spontaneous and NMDA-evoked firing rate of the neurons, application of PHA-543613 resulted in almost equal distribution of facilitatory and inhibitory effects. The increase of the NMDA-evoked firing rate exerted by NS-1738 was superadditive over the sum of the single effects of NMDA and NS-1738. The simultaneous application of alpha7 nAChR agonist PHA-543613 and PAM NS-1738 resulted in additive increase of both spontaneous and NMDA-evoked firing rate. However, NS-1738 counteracted inhibitory effects of PHA-543613 in 5 out of 6 neurons, resulting in a synergistic potentiation of their firing responses to NMDA. Our results suggest that alpha7 nAChR PAMs increase neuronal excitability more potently than agonists, while the remarkable occurrence of inhibitory effects of PHA-543613 (possibly originating from receptor desensitization) implies that agonists may exert neuroprotective effects.
GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms in outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with cisplatin chemoradiation
Authors: Pincinato Eder C. , Costa Ericka F. D. , Lopes-Aguiar Leisa , Nogueira Guilherme A. S. , Lima Tathiane R. P. , Visacri Marília B. , Costa Anna P. L. , Lourenço Gustavo J. , Calonga Luciane , Mariano Fernanda V. , Altemani Albina M. A. M. , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia , Chone Carlos T. , Ramos Celso D. , Altemani João M. C. , Moriel Patrícia , Lima Carmen S. P.
Published: June 2019

Cisplatin (CDDP) combined with radiotherapy (RT) is employed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with variable toxicities and clinical response. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) participate in CDDP excretion from cells, and genes encoding GSTs,GSTM1,GSTT1andGSTP1, are polymorphic in humans. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the roles ofGSTM1,GSTT1, andGSTP1Ile105Val polymorphisms in outcomes of HNSCC patients treated with CDDP chemoradiation. Ninety patients were genotyped by multiplex PCR. Urinary CDDP measurements were performed by HPLC. Treatment side effects and response were analysed by conventional criteria. Patients withGSTT1genes showed 7.23- and 5.37-fold higher likelihood of presenting vomiting and ototoxicity, lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and lower elimination of CDDP in urine relative to patients with deleted genes. Patients harbouring theGSTP1IleVal or ValVal genotypes showed 4.28-fold higher likelihood of presenting grade 2 or 3 vomiting and lower GFR with treatment than those harbouring the IleIle genotype. In multivariate Cox analysis, patients with theGSTP1105ValVal genotype had 3.87 more chance of presenting disease progression than those with the IleIle or IleVal genotype (p < 0.01). Our findings provide preliminary evidence that inherited abnormalities in CDDP metabolism, related toGSTT1andGSTP1Ile105Val polymorphisms, alter outcomes of HNSCC patients treated with CDDP and RT.
Validation of the Fetal Lamb Model of Spina Bifida
Authors: Joyeux Luc , Engels Alexander C. , Van Der Merwe Johannes , Aertsen Michael , Patel Premal A. , Deprez Marjolijn , Khatoun Ahmad , Pranpanus Savitree , da Cunha Marina Gabriela Monteiro Carvalho M , De Vleeschauwer Stephanie , Parra Johanna , Apelt Katerina , Laughlin Myles Mc , Van Calenbergh Frank , Radaelli Enrico , Deprest Jan
Published: June 2019

A randomized trial demonstrated that fetal spina bifida (SB) repair is safe and effective yet invasive. New less invasive techniques are proposed but are not supported by adequate experimental studies. A validated animal model is needed to bridge the translational gap to the clinic and should mimic the human condition. Introducing a standardized method, we comprehensively and reliably characterize the SB phenotype in two lamb surgical models with and without myelotomy as compared to normal lambs. Hindbrain herniation measured on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included gross examination with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage test, neurological examination with locomotor assessment, whole-body MRI, motor and somatosensory evoked potentials; brain, spinal cord, hindlimb muscles, bladder and rectum histology and/or immunohistochemistry. We show that the myelotomy model best phenocopies the anatomy, etiopathophysiology and symptomatology of non-cystic SB. This encompasses hindbrain herniation, ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa anomalies, loss of brain neurons; lumbar CSF leakage, hindlimb somatosensory-motor deficit with absence of motor and somatosensory evoked potentials due to loss of spinal cord neurons, astroglial cells and myelin; urinary incontinence. This model obtains the highest validity score for SB animal models and is adequate to assess the efficacy of novel fetal therapies.
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation
Authors: Florian Juliessa , Watte Guilherme , Teixeira Paulo José Zimermann , Altmayer Stephan , Schio Sadi Marcelo , Sanchez Letícia Beatriz , Nascimento Douglas Zaione , Camargo Spencer Marcantonio , Perin Fabiola Adélia , Camargo José de Jesus , Felicetti José Carlos , Moreira José da Silva
Published: June 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) is independently associated with survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) undergoing lung transplant (LTx). This quasi-experimental study included 89 patients who underwent LTx due to IPF. Thirty-two completed all 36 sessions in a PRP while on the waiting list for LTx (PRP group), and 53 completed fewer than 36 sessions (controls). Survival after LTx was the main outcome; invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital were secondary outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used in survival analyses. Cox regression models showed that the PRP group had a reduced 54.0% (hazard ratio = 0.464, 95% confidence interval 0.222–0.970, p = 0.041) risk of death. A lower number of patients in the PRP group required IMV for more than 24 hours after LTx (9.0% vs. 41.6% p = 0.001). This group also spent a mean of 5 days less in the ICU (p = 0.004) and 5 days less in hospital (p = 0.046). In conclusion, PRP PRP completion halved the risk of cumulative mortality in patients with IPF undergoing unilateral LTx
Systematic comparison of germline variant calling pipelines cross multiple next-generation sequencers
Authors: Chen Jiayun , Li Xingsong , Zhong Hongbin , Meng Yuhuan , Du Hongli
Published: June 2019

The development and innovation of next generation sequencing (NGS) and the subsequent analysis tools have gain popularity in scientific researches and clinical diagnostic applications. Hence, a systematic comparison of the sequencing platforms and variant calling pipelines could provide significant guidance to NGS-based scientific and clinical genomics. In this study, we compared the performance, concordance and operating efficiency of 27 combinations of sequencing platforms and variant calling pipelines, testing three variant calling pipelines—Genome Analysis Tool Kit HaplotypeCaller, Strelka2 and Samtools-Varscan2 for nine data sets for the NA12878 genome sequenced by different platforms including BGISEQ500, MGISEQ2000, HiSeq4000, NovaSeq and HiSeq Xten. For the variants calling performance of 12 combinations in WES datasets, all combinations displayed good performance in calling SNPs, with their F-scores entirely higher than 0.96, and their performance in calling INDELs varies from 0.75 to 0.91. And all 15 combinations in WGS datasets also manifested good performance, with F-scores in calling SNPs were entirely higher than 0.975 and their performance in calling INDELs varies from 0.71 to 0.93. All of these combinations manifested high concordance in variant identification, while the divergence of variants identification in WGS datasets were larger than that in WES datasets. We also down-sampled the original WES and WGS datasets at a series of gradient coverage across multiple platforms, then the variants calling period consumed by the three pipelines at each coverage were counted, respectively. For the GIAB datasets on both BGI and Illumina platforms, Strelka2 manifested its ultra-performance in detecting accuracy and processing efficiency compared with other two pipelines on each sequencing platform, which was recommended in the further promotion and application of next generation sequencing technology. The results of our researches will provide useful and comprehensive guidelines for personal or organizational researchers in reliable and consistent variants identification.
Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion of Liver Grafts from Brain-Dead Donors
Authors: Patrono Damiano , Surra Astrid , Catalano Giorgia , Rizza Giorgia , Berchialla Paola , Martini Silvia , Tandoi Francesco , Lupo Francesco , Mirabella Stefano , Stratta Chiara , Salizzoni Mauro , Romagnoli Renato
Published: June 2019

Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) was introduced in liver transplantation (LT) to mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury. Available clinical data mainly concern LT with donors after circulatory-determined death, whereas data on brain-dead donors (DBD) are scarce. To assess the impact of end-ischemic HOPE in DBD LT, data on primary adult LTs performed between March 2016 and June 2018 were analyzed. HOPE was used in selected cases of donor age >80 years, apparent severe graft steatosis, or ischemia time ≥10 hours. Outcomes of HOPE-treated cases were compared with those after static cold storage. Propensity score matching (1:2) and Bayesian model averaging were used to overcome selection bias. During the study period, 25 (8.5%) out of 294 grafts were treated with HOPE. After matching, HOPE was associated with a lower severe post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS) rate (4% versus 20%, p = 0.13) and stage 2–3 acute kidney injury (AKI) (16% versus 42%, p = 0.046). Furthermore, Bayesian model averaging showed lower transaminases peak and a lower early allograft dysfunction (EAD) rate after HOPE. A steeper decline in arterial graft resistance throughout perfusion was associated with lower EAD rate. HOPE determines a significant reduction of ischemia reperfusion injury in DBD LT.
Green Synthetic Procedures under Hydrodynamic and Acoustic Cavitation
Authors: Cravotto Giancarlo , Tagliapietra Silvia , Wu Zhilin
Published: June 2019

This chapter aims to stimulate further progress in organic synthesis by describing harmless and green cavitational technologies that are well suited to heterogeneous-phase and catalysed reactions. Hydrodynamic cavitation and ultrasound create unique high-energy microenvironments and their accompanying hot-spots, shock-waves, micro-jets and shear forces. In addition to outstanding mass transfer and mechanochemical effects, the formation of highly reactive, intermediate radical species can initiate mechanistic paths that do not occur under classical conditions.
Microwave Dielectric Heating for Solvent-free Organic Transformations
Authors: Cini Elena , Taddei Maurizio
Published: June 2019

The use of solvents in organic synthesis is today one of the main causes of pollution and risk for humans and the environment. Although many green solvents have been recently developed, the best solvent is still no solvent. The use of microwaves (MWs) for heating reaction mixtures provides an efficient tool to perform organic reactions in the absence of solvents. The combination of solvent-free protocols and microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) is therefore one the most challenging tools to abide by the 12 green chemistry principles. This overview reports on the recent results, benefits and challenges of the synergy between MW heating and neat reactions. Important milestones of organic chemistry such as oxidation, alkylation, cross-coupling, Knoevenagel, Claisen and Michael addition reactions, together with innovative sustainable organic chemistry reactions such as borrowing hydrogen protocols, are discussed with critical attention to their benefits compared to conventional heating and the use of ‘hidden’ solvents employed during work-up and purification steps.
Theoretical investigation of the isomerization pathways of diazenes: torsion vs. inversion
Authors: Sindhu Aarti , Pradhan Renuka , Lourderaj Upakarasamy , Paranjothy Manikandan
Published: June 2019

Ab initio classical trajectory simulations show that diazenes isomerize via out-of-plane torsion and not in-plane inversion due to a centrifugal barrier.
Microextrusion printing cell-laden networks of type I collagen with patterned fiber alignment and geometry
Authors: Nerger Bryan A. , Brun P.-T. , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: June 2019

Cell-laden networks of aligned type I collagen fibers are fabricated using 3D microextrusion printing of collagen-Matrigel inks.
Accurate quantitative determination of heavy metals in oily soil by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with interval partial least squares (IPLS)
Authors: Ding Yu , Xia Guiyu , Ji Huiwen , Xiong Xiong
Published: June 2019

A rapid detection method for heavy metals in oily soil is needed to provide accurate data support for in situ soil pollution assessment and restoration.
Platelet-membrane-camouflaged bismuth sulfide nanorods for synergistic radio-photothermal therapy against cancer
Authors: Chen Yin , Zhao Gaomei , Wang Song , He Yongwu , Han Songling , Du Changhong , Li Shichao , Fan Zhengli , Wang Cheng , Wang Junping
Published: June 2019

Autologous platelet membrane camouflage improves the bioavailability of mesoporous silica-coated bismuth sulfide nanorods in tumor radio-photothermal synergistic therapy.
Development of EGFR-targeted evodiamine nanoparticles for the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Chunpu , Cai Gang , Song Daqian , Gao Ruixuan , Teng Peng , Zhou LiHong , Ji Qing , Sui Hua , Cai Jianfeng , Li Qi , Wang Yan
Published: June 2019

The invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are leading causes of death of CRC patients.
Self-deoxygenating glassware
Authors: Nothling Mitchell D. , McKenzie Thomas G. , Eastland Isaac A. , Chien Hao-Che , Collins Joe , Meyer Anne S. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: June 2019

A variety of common glassware is covalently functionalised with glucose oxidase, enabling the recyclable removal of dissolved oxygen from reaction solutions.
Continuous flow knitting of a triptycene hypercrosslinked polymer
Authors: Lau Cher Hon , Lu Tian-dan , Sun Shi-Peng , Chen Xianfeng , Carta Mariolino , Dawson Daniel M.
Published: June 2019

Hypercrosslinked polymers suitable for carbon capture were produced in continuous flow synthesis using 10% of the time required for typical batch reactions, precluding the need for lengthy reactions to produce microporous polymeric adsorbents.
Extra hydrogen bonding interactions by peripheral indole groups stabilize benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide helical assemblies
Authors: Basuyaux Gaëtan , Desmarchelier Alaric , Gontard Geoffrey , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Moussa Jamal , Amouri Hani , Raynal Matthieu , Bouteiller Laurent
Published: June 2019

The indole groups (Ind) of these BTA monomers provide an additional hydrogen bonding interaction that enables the formation of remarkably stable supramolecular helices.
Recent advances in the synthesis of axially chiral biarylsviatransition metal-catalysed asymmetric C–H functionalization
Authors: Liao Gang , Zhou Tao , Yao Qi-Jun , Shi Bing-Feng
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in the synthesis of axially chiral biarylsviatransition metal-catalysed asymmetric C–H functionalization are reported.
Sequestration of carbon monoxide at room temperature at vacancy sites of graphene
Authors: Chiarello Gennaro , Fabio Vito , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Politano Antonio
Published: June 2019

Unsaturated C atoms at vacancies of the graphene lattice are able to capture carbon monoxide at room temperature, with the formation of C–O–C bonds, as indicated by their corresponding vibrational mode at 150 meV (1209 cm−1).
Geometric H/D isotope effect in a series of organic salts involving short O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds between carboxyl and carboxylate groups
Authors: Jin Tong , Zhang Wen
Published: June 2019

Noticeable elongations of donor–acceptor distances upon deuteration are confirmed in short O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds between carboxyl and carboxylate groups.
Kinetic isotope effects in the water forming reaction H2/D2 + OH from rigorous close-coupling quantum dynamics simulations
Authors: Welsch Ralph
Published: June 2019

Rigorous quantum dynamics simulations of thermal rate constants and kinetic isotope effects for the water-forming H2/D2 + OH reaction are presented, which show increased tunneling below 300 K and can serve as benchmarks for approximate methods.
Triplet dynamic nuclear polarization of nanocrystals dispersed in water at room temperature
Authors: Nishimura Koki , Kouno Hironori , Tateishi Kenichiro , Uesaka Tomohiro , Ideta Keiko , Kimizuka Nobuo , Yanai Nobuhiro
Published: June 2019

Room-temperature triplet dynamic nuclear polarization (triplet-DNP) of nanocrystals dispersed in water is achieved for the first time.
Structural stability and thermoelectric performance of high quality synthetic and natural pyrites (FeS2)
Authors: Zuñiga-Puelles E. , Cardoso-Gil R. , Bobnar M. , Veremchuk I. , Himcinschi C. , Hennig C. , Kortus J. , Heide G. , Gumeniuk R.
Published: June 2019

Single crystalline pyrite of high quality reveals good thermal- and bad electrical conductivities resulting in poor thermoelectric performance.
High light-to-fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction rates achieved on a unique nanocomposite of Co/Co doped Al2O3 nanosheets with UV-vis-IR irradiation
Authors: Wu Shaowen , Li Yuanzhi , Zhang Qian , Jiang Zhongkai , Yang Yi , Wu Jichun , Zhao Xiujian
Published: June 2019

A nanocomposite of Co/Co–Al2O3 nanosheets shows a high light-to-fuel efficiency and fuel production rate for photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction using CH4.
Hard X-ray spectroscopy: an exhaustive toolbox for mechanistic studies (?)
Authors: Schoch Anke , Burkhardt Lukas , Schoch Roland , Stührenberg Kai , Bauer Matthias
Published: June 2019

The hard X-ray spectroscopy methods XAS, valence-to-core XES and higher solution XANES offer unique insights into organometallic reaction mechanisms.
Direct analysis of radium-226 in sediment by ICP-MS: an analytical challenge?
Authors: Ben Yaala Hamza , Fniter Rihab , Foucher Delphine , Clarisse Olivier
Published: June 2019

Low levels of radium-226 were accurately measured in natural sediment digests using single quadrupole ICP-MS.
A nanocrystalline CdS thin film as a heterogeneous, recyclable catalyst for effective synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones and a new class of carbazolyl dihydropyrimidinonesviaan improved Biginelli protocol
Authors: Venkatapathy K. , Magesh C. J. , Lavanya G. , Perumal P. T. , Sathishkumar R.
Published: June 2019

An improved Biginelli protocol for the efficient synthesis of a new class of carbazolyl dihydropyrimidinones mediated by CdS thin film nanoparticles deposited on the inner walls of a glass reactor as a recyclable, heterogeneous catalyst.
Unexpected intramolecular N-arylcyano-β-diketiminate cyclization in new aminoquinoline derivative complexes of aluminium for CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Moreno da Costa David , Borja Luis , Verdugo Camilo , Martinez Javier , Quintero Celso , Jaque Pablo , Trofymchuk Oleksandra S. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Cabrera Alan R. , Rojas Rene S.
Published: June 2019

exo-Dig intramolecular cyclization of β-diketiminates allowed to obtain 4-amino-3-iminoquinolines ligands through a novel pathway. Al(III) complexes bearing these ligands where active towards the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2.
A biomolecule-assisted one-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its bioconjugate with curcumin for potential multifaceted therapeutic applications
Authors: Somu Prathap , Paul Subhankar
Published: June 2019

Biodegradable ZnO nanoparticles with excellent biocompatibility prepared via a biogenic process have great potential as therapeutic agent-cum-drug carriers for cancer treatment.
Temperature-dependent characteristics of n-channel transistors based on 5,5′-bithiazolidinylidene-2,4,2′,4′-tetrathiones
Authors: Ryo Suho , Yoo Dongho , Iijima Kodai , Sato Ryonosuke , Le Gal Yann , Lorcy Dominique , Mori Takehiko
Published: June 2019

Single-crystal transistors of the title compounds show isotropic mobilities exceeding 1 cm2 V−1 s−1.