bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-quality genome assembly and resequencing of modern cotton cultivars provide resources for crop improvement
Authors: Ma Zhiying , Zhang Yan , Wu Liqiang , Zhang Guiyin , Sun Zhengwen , Li Zhikun , Jiang Yafei , Ke Huifeng , Chen Bin , Liu Zhengwen , Gu Qishen , Wang Zhicheng , Wang Guoning , Yang Jun , Wu Jinhua , Yan Yuanyuan , Meng Chengsheng , Li Lihua , Li Xiuxin , Mo Shaojing , Wu Nan , Ma Limei , Chen Liting , Zhang Man , Si Aijun , Yang Zhanwu , Wang Nan , Wu Lizhu , Zhang Dongmei , Cui Yanru , Cui Jing , Lv Xing , Li Yang , Shi Rongkang , Duan Yihong , Tian Shilin , Wang Xingfen
Published: August 2021

Cotton produces natural fiber for the textile industry. The genetic effects of genomic structural variations underlying agronomic traits remain unclear. Here, we generate two high-quality genomes of Gossypium hirsutum cv. NDM8 and Gossypium barbadense acc. Pima90, and identify large-scale structural variations in the two species and 1,081 G. hirsutum accessions. The density of structural variations is higher in the D-subgenome than in the A-subgenome, indicating that the D-subgenome undergoes stronger selection during species formation and variety development. Many structural variations in genes and/or regulatory regions potentially influencing agronomic traits were discovered. Of 446 significantly associated structural variations, those for fiber quality and Verticillium wilt resistance are located mainly in the D-subgenome and those for yield mainly in the A-subgenome. Our research provides insight into the role of structural variations in genotype-to-phenotype relationships and their potential utility in crop improvement.
Transcriptome profiling reveals potential genes involved in browning of fresh-cut eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Aidong , Zhao Jie , Shang Jing , Zhu Zongwen , Wu Xuexia , Zha Dingshi
Published: August 2021

Fresh-cut processing promotes enzymatic browning of fresh fruits and vegetables, which negatively affects the product appearance and impacts their nutrition. We used RNA-sequencing to analyze the transcriptomic changes occurring during the browning of fresh-cut eggplant fruit samples from both browning-sensitive and browning-resistant cultivars to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in browning. A total of 8347 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 62 genes were from six gene families (i.e., PPO, PAL, POD, CAT, APX, and GST) potentially associated with enzymatic browning. Furthermore, using qRT-PCR, we verified 231 differentially regulated transcription factors in fresh-cut eggplant fruits. The enzyme activities of PPO, POD, PAL, and CAT in ‘36’ were significantly higher than those of ‘F’ fresh-cut for 15 min. Both PPO and POD play a major role in the browning of eggplant pulp and might therefore act synergistically in the browning process. Meanwhile, qPCR results of 18 browning related genes randomly screened in 15 eggplant materials with different browning tolerance showed variant-specific expression of genes. Lastly, gene regulatory networks were constructed to identify the browning-related genes. This work provides a basis for future molecular studies of eggplants, and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of browning-resistant fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
Early combination therapy of empagliflozin and linagliptin exerts beneficial effects on pancreatic β cells in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Fushimi Yoshiro , Obata Atsushi , Sanada Junpei , Nogami Yuka , Ikeda Tomoko , Yamasaki Yuki , Obata Yoshiyuki , Shimoda Masashi , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: August 2021

Effects of combination therapy of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor on β-cells are still unclear, although combination agent of these two drugs has become common in clinical practice. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the effects of DPP-4 inhibitor and/or SGLT2 inhibitor on β-cell mass and function and compared their effects between in an early and advanced phase of diabetes. We used 7-week-old db/db mice as an early phase and 16-week-old mice as an advanced phase and treated them for 2 weeks with oral administration of linagliptin, empagliflozin, linagliptin + empagliflozin (L + E group), and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (Cont group). Blood glucose levels in Empa and L + E group were significantly lower than Cont group after treatment. In addition, β-cell mass in L + E group was significantly larger than Cont group only in an early phase, accompanied by increased Ki67-positive β-cell ratio. In isolated islets, mRNA expression levels of insulin and its transcription factors were all significantly higher only in L + E group in an early phase. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels related to β-cell differentiation and proliferation were significantly increased only in L + E group in an early phase. In conclusion, combination of DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor exerts more beneficial effects on β-cell mass and function, especially in an early phase of diabetes rather than an advanced phase.
Rodent host population dynamics drive zoonotic Lyme Borreliosis and Orthohantavirus infections in humans in Northern Europe
Authors: Aminikhah Mahdi , Forsman Jukka T. , Koskela Esa , Mappes Tapio , Sane Jussi , Ollgren Jukka , Kivelä Sami M. , Kallio Eva R.
Published: August 2021

Zoonotic diseases, caused by pathogens transmitted between other vertebrate animals and humans, pose a major risk to human health. Rodents are important reservoir hosts for many zoonotic pathogens, and rodent population dynamics affect the infection dynamics of rodent-borne diseases, such as diseases caused by hantaviruses. However, the role of rodent population dynamics in determining the infection dynamics of rodent-associated tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria, have gained limited attention in Northern Europe, despite the multiannual abundance fluctuations, the so-called vole cycles, that characterise rodent population dynamics in the region. Here, we quantify the associations between rodent abundance and LB human cases and Puumala Orthohantavirus (PUUV) infections by using two time series (25-year and 9-year) in Finland. Both bank vole (Myodes glareolus) abundance as well as LB and PUUV infection incidence in humans showed approximately 3-year cycles. Without vector transmitted PUUV infections followed the bank vole host abundance fluctuations with two-month time lag, whereas tick-transmitted LB was associated with bank vole abundance ca. 12 and 24 months earlier. However, the strength of association between LB incidence and bank vole abundance ca. 12 months before varied over the study years. This study highlights that the human risk to acquire rodent-borne pathogens, as well as rodent-associated tick-borne pathogens is associated with the vole cycles in Northern Fennoscandia, yet with complex time lags.
Colored cotton wastes valuation through thermal and catalytic reforming of pyrolysis vapors (Py-GC/MS)
Authors: da Silva Janduir Egito , Calixto Guilherme Quintela , de Araújo Medeiros Rodolfo Luiz Bezerra , de Freitas Melo Marcus Antônio , de Araújo Melo Dulce Maria , de Carvalho Luiz Paulo , Braga Renata Martins
Published: August 2021

This study aims to analyze the products of the catalytic pyrolysis of naturally colored cotton residues, type BRS (seeds from Brazil), called BRS-Verde, BRS-Rubi, BRS-Topázio and BRS-Jade. The energy characterization of biomass was evaluated through ultimate and proximate analysis, higher heating value, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content, thermogravimetric analysis and apparent density. Analytical pyrolysis was performed at 500 °C in an analytical pyrolyzer from CDS Analytical connected to a gas chromatograph coupled to the mass spectrometer (GC/MS). The pyrolysis vapors were reformed at 300 and 500 °C through thermal and catalytic cracking with zeolites (ZSM-5 and HZSM-5). It has been noticed that pyrolysis vapor reforming at 500 °C promoted partial deoxygenation and cracking reactions, while the catalytic reforming showed better results for the product deoxygenation. The catalyst reforming of pyrolysis products, especially using HZSM-5 at 500 °C, promoted the formation of monoaromatics such as benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene, which are important precursors of polymers, solvents and biofuels. The main influence on the yields of these aromatic products is due to the catalytic activity of ZSM-5 favored by increased temperature that promotes cracking reactions due expanded zeolites channels.
Quantitative three-dimensional image analysis of the superior canal after surgical plugging to treat superior semicircular canal dehiscence
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeon , Lee Yein , Choi Jun Young , Bae Yun Jung , Kim MinJu , Song Jae-Jin , Choi Byung Yoon , Jeong Won-Ki , Koo Ja-Won
Published: August 2021

Surgical plugging to treat superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) has been proven to impede the effect of the third mobile window, abating cochleovestibular symptoms. Knowledge of superior semicircular canal (SC)-plugging status has been proposed to serve as a guide for adjuvant treatment. Here, we investigated disturbances in the inner ear fluid space following SC plugging using a novel three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction-based method. This approach used a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm and a direct volume rendering method derived from conventional magnetic resonance images. The variable extents of filling defects at the sites of SC plugging and the positional relation of the defect to the ampulla and common crus were identified. The success group exhibited markedly reduced volumes following surgery, whereas the failure group displayed no changes in volume. These results indicate that the success or failure of SC plugging was related to 3D volume changes in the labyrinth fluid signal. Collectively, this study presents individualized SC-plugging statuses using a novel 3D reconstruction-based method and it facilitates future work regarding easy-to-measure 3D volume changes. This current technology also aids in the exploration of pathologic changes in various targets of interest.
State dependent effects on the frequency response of prestin’s real and imaginary components of nonlinear capacitance
Authors: Santos-Sacchi Joseph , Navaratnam Dhasakumar , Tan Winston J. T.
Published: August 2021

The outer hair cell (OHC) membrane harbors a voltage-dependent protein, prestin (SLC26a5), in high density, whose charge movement is evidenced as a nonlinear capacitance (NLC). NLC is bell-shaped, with its peak occurring at a voltage, Vh, where sensor charge is equally distributed across the plasma membrane. Thus, Vh provides information on the conformational state of prestin. Vh is sensitive to membrane tension, shifting to positive voltage as tension increases and is the basis for considering prestin piezoelectric (PZE). NLC can be deconstructed into real and imaginary components that report on charge movements in phase or 90 degrees out of phase with AC voltage. Here we show in membrane macro-patches of the OHC that there is a partial trade-off in the magnitude of real and imaginary components as interrogation frequency increases, as predicted by a recent PZE model (Rabbitt in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 17:21880–21888, 2020). However, we find similar behavior in a simple 2-state voltage-dependent kinetic model of prestin that lacks piezoelectric coupling. At a particular frequency, Fis, the complex component magnitudes intersect. Using this metric, Fis, which depends on the frequency response of each complex component, we find that initial Vh influences Fis; thus, by categorizing patches into groups of different Vh, (above and below − 30 mV) we find that Fis is lower for the negative Vh group. We also find that the effect of membrane tension on complex NLC is dependent, but differentially so, on initial Vh. Whereas the negative group exhibits shifts to higher frequencies for increasing tension, the opposite occurs for the positive group. Despite complex component trade-offs, the low-pass roll-off in absolute magnitude of NLC, which varies little with our perturbations and is indicative of diminishing total charge movement, poses a challenge for a role of voltage-driven prestin in cochlear amplification at very high frequencies.
Quantitative analysis of speckle-based X-ray dark-field imaging using numerical wave-optics simulations
Authors: Meyer Sebastian , Shi Serena Z. , Shapira Nadav , Maidment Andrew D. A. , Noël Peter B.
Published: August 2021

The dark-field signal measures the small-angle scattering strength and provides complementary diagnostic information. This is of particular interest for lung imaging due to the pronounced small-angle scatter from the alveolar microstructure. However, most dark-field imaging techniques are relatively complex, dose-inefficient, and require sophisticated optics and highly coherent X-ray sources. Speckle-based imaging promises to overcome these limitations due to its simple and versatile setup, only requiring the addition of a random phase modulator to conventional X-ray equipment. We investigated quantitatively the influence of sample structure, setup geometry, and source energy on the dark-field signal in speckle-based X-ray imaging with wave-optics simulations for ensembles of micro-spheres. We show that the dark-field signal is accurately predicted via a model originally derived for grating interferometry when using the mean frequency of the speckle pattern power spectral density as the characteristic speckle size. The size directly reflects the correlation length of the diffuser surface and did not change with energy or propagation distance within the near-field. The dark-field signal had a distinct dependence on sample structure and setup geometry but was also affected by beam hardening-induced modifications of the visibility spectrum. This study quantitatively demonstrates the behavior of the dark-field signal in speckle-based X-ray imaging.
Synergistic impact of pre-sensitization and delayed graft function on allograft rejection in deceased donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Lee Hanbi , Park Yohan , Ban Tae Hyun , Song Sang Heon , Song Seung Hwan , Yang Jaeseok , Ahn Curie , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha ,   The Korean Organ Transplantation Registry Study Group, Kong Jin Min , Kwon Oh Jung , Kim Deok Gie , Jung Cheol-Woong , Kim Yeong Hoon , Kim Joong Kyung , Kim Chan-Duck , Min Ji Won , Park Sung Kwang , Park Yeon Ho , Berm Park Jae , Park Jung Hwan , Park Jong-Won , Shin Ho Sik , Yoon Hye Eun , Lee Kang Wook , Lee Dong Ryeol , Lee Dong Won , Lee Sam Yeol , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee Su Hyung , Lee Jung Jun , Pyo Lee Jung , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Jeon Jin Seok , Jun Heungman , Jeong Kyunghwan , Chung Ku Yong , Cho Hong Rae , Ki Ju Man , Chae Dong-Wan , Choi Soo Jin Na , Han Duck Jong , Han Seungyeup , Huh Kyu Ha
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not delayed graft function (DGF) and pre-transplant sensitization have synergistic adverse effects on allograft outcome after deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) using the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) database, the nationwide prospective cohort. The study included 1359 cases between May 2014 and June 2019. The cases were divided into 4 subgroups according to pre-sensitization and the development of DGF post-transplant [non-pre-sensitized-DGF(−) (n = 1097), non-pre-sensitized-DGF(+) (n = 127), pre-sensitized-DGF(−) (n = 116), and pre-sensitized-DGF(+) (n = 19)]. We compared the incidence of biopsy-proven allograft rejection (BPAR), time-related change in allograft function, allograft or patient survival, and post-transplant complications across 4 subgroups. The incidence of acute antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) was significantly higher in the pre-sensitized-DGF(+) subgroup than in other 3 subgroups. In addition, multivariable cox regression analysis demonstrated that pre-sensitization combined with DGF is an independent risk factor for the development of acute ABMR (hazard ratio 4.855, 95% confidence interval 1.499–15.727). Moreover, DGF and pre-sensitization showed significant interaction (p-value for interaction = 0.008). Pre-sensitization combined with DGF did not show significant impact on allograft function, and allograft or patient survival. In conclusion, the combination of pre-sensitization and DGF showed significant synergistic interaction on the development of allograft rejection after DDKT.
Prevalence of the additional head of quadriceps femoris in the South Indian population: a cadaveric and radiological study
Authors: Sam Femina , Kandagaddala Madhavi , Prithishkumar Ivan James , Mahata Koyeli Mary , Gowri Mahasampath , Rabi Suganthy
Published: August 2021

Quadriceps femoris is an extensor muscle in the anterior compartment of thigh and is traditionally taught to be composed of four heads. Recently, there is an increased interest in the occurrence of an additional muscle head of quadriceps femoris. But scientific knowledge regarding its incidence is lacking in the South Indian population. This study was done to confirm the presence of the additional head by routine anatomic dissection and radiological imaging techniques. Forty-one formalin fixed human cadaveric lower limbs were dissected and the morphology of the additional head was noted. Retrospective analysis of 88 MRI images of patients was done. The additional muscle head was present in 43.9% of the cadaveric lower limbs and was consistently located between the vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius. It originated from variable portions of the greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line, lateral lip of linea aspera and lateral surface of the shaft of femur and inserted either as a muscle belly or as an aponeurosis into the vastus intermedius (55.6%), vastus lateralis (22.2%) or directly into the base of the patella. It received its vascular supply from branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and was innervated by branches from the posterior division of the femoral nerve. In addition, the additional muscle head was identified by MRI and its incidence was reported to be 30.68% for the first time in living subjects. The result of this study provides additional information in understanding the morphology of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Lateral hypothalamus involvement in control of stress response by bed nucleus of the stria terminalis endocannabinoid neurotransmission in male rats
Authors: Gomes-de-Souza Lucas , Costa-Ferreira Willian , Mendonça Michelle M. , Xavier Carlos H. , Crestani Carlos C.
Published: August 2021

The endocannabinoid neurotransmission acting via local CB1 receptor in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress. However, the neural network related to this control is poorly understood. In this sense, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is involved in stress responses, and BNST GABAergic neurons densely innervate this hypothalamic nucleus. However, a role of BNST projections to the LH in physiological responses to stress is unknown. Therefore, using male rats, we investigated the role of LH GABAergic neurotransmission in the regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors within the BNST. We observed that microinjection of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 into the BNST decreased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells within the LH of rats submitted to acute restraint stress. Treatment of the BNST with AM251 also enhanced restraint-evoked tachycardia. Nevertheless, arterial pressure increase and sympathetically-mediated cutaneous vasoconstriction to restraint was not affected by CB1 receptor antagonism within the BNST. The effect of AM251 in the BNST on restraint-evoked tachycardia was abolished in animals pretreated with the selective GABAA receptor antagonist SR95531 in the LH. These results indicate that regulation of cardiovascular responses to stress by CB1 receptors in the BNST is mediated by GABAergic neurotransmission in the LH. Present data also provide evidence of the BNST endocannabinoid neurotransmission as a mechanism involved in LH neuronal activation during stressful events.
Isolation of HDL by sequential flotation ultracentrifugation followed by size exclusion chromatography reveals size-based enrichment of HDL-associated proteins
Authors: Zheng Jack Jingyuan , Agus Joanne K. , Hong Brian V. , Tang Xinyu , Rhodes Christopher H. , Houts Hannah E. , Zhu Chenghao , Kang Jea Woo , Wong Maurice , Xie Yixuan , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Mallick Emily , Witwer Kenneth W. , Zivkovic Angela M.
Published: August 2021

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have multiple beneficial and cardioprotective roles, yet our understanding of their full structural and functional repertoire is limited due to challenges in separating HDL particles from contaminating plasma proteins and other lipid-carrying particles that overlap HDL in size and/or density. Here we describe a method for isolating HDL particles using a combination of sequential flotation density ultracentrifugation and fast protein liquid chromatography with a size exclusion column. Purity was visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and verified by proteomics, while size and structural integrity were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. This HDL isolation method can be used to isolate a high yield of purified HDL from a low starting plasma volume for functional analyses. This method also enables investigators to select their specific HDL fraction of interest: from the least inclusive but highest purity HDL fraction eluting in the middle of the HDL peak, to pooling all of the fractions to capture the breadth of HDL particles in the original plasma sample. We show that certain proteins such as lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), and clusterin (CLUS) are enriched in large HDL particles whereas proteins such as alpha-2HS-glycoprotein (A2HSG), alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) are enriched or found exclusively in small HDL particles.
Association of early glycemic change with short-term mortality in lobar and non-lobar intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Forti Paola , Maioli Fabiola , Zoli Marco
Published: August 2021

The association between early glycemic change and short-term mortality in non-diabetic patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. We retrospectively investigated non-diabetic patients with lobar (n = 262) and non-lobar ICH (n = 370). Each patient had a random serum glucose test on hospital admission and a fasting serum glucose test within the following 48 h. Hyperglycemia was defined as serum glucose ≥ 7.8 mmol/l. Four patterns were determined: no hyperglycemia (reference category), persistent hyperglycemia, delayed hyperglycemia, and decreasing hyperglycemia. Associations with 30-day mortality were estimated using Cox models adjusted for major features of ICH severity. Persistent hyperglycemia was associated with 30-day mortality in both lobar (HR 3.00; 95% CI 1.28–7.02) and non-lobar ICH (HR 4.95; 95% CI 2.20–11.09). In lobar ICH, 30-day mortality was also associated with delayed (HR 4.10; 95% CI 1.77–9.49) and decreasing hyperglycemia (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09–3.70). These findings were confirmed in Cox models using glycemic change (fasting minus random serum glucose) as a continuous variable. Our study shows that, in non-diabetic patients with ICH, early persistent hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of short-term mortality regardless of hematoma location. Moreover, in non-diabetic patients with lobar ICH, both a positive and a negative glycemic change are associated with short-term mortality.
Dysregulation of lncRNAs in autoimmune neuropathies
Authors: Gholipour Mahdi , Taheri Mohammad , Mehvari Habibabadi Jafar , Nazer Naghme , Sayad Arezou , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh
Published: August 2021

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are inflammatory neuropathies with different clinical courses but similar underlying mechanisms. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might affect pathogenesis of these conditions. In the current project, we have selected HULC, PVT1, MEG3, SPRY4-IT1, LINC-ROR and DSCAM-AS1 lncRNAs to appraise their transcript levels in the circulation of CIDP and GBS cases versus controls. Expression of HULC was higher in CIDP patients compared with healthy persons (Ratio of mean expression (RME) = 7.62, SE = 0.72, P < 0.001). While expression of this lncRNA was not different between female CIDP cases and female controls, its expression was higher in male CIDP cases compared with male controls (RME = 13.50, SE = 0.98, P < 0.001). Similarly, expression of HULC was higher in total GBS cases compared with healthy persons (RME = 4.57, SE = 0.65, P < 0.001) and in male cases compared with male controls (RME = 5.48, SE = 0.82, P < 0.001). Similar pattern of expression was detected between total cases and total controls. PVT1 was up-regulated in CIDP cases compared with controls (RME = 3.04, SE = 0.51, P < 0.001) and in both male and female CIDP cases compared with sex-matched controls. Similarly, PVT1 was up-regulated in GBS cases compared with controls (RME = 2.99, SE = 0.55, P vale < 0.001) and in total patients compared with total controls (RME = 3.02, SE = 0.43, P < 0.001). Expression levels of DSCAM-AS1 and SPRY4-IT1 were higher in CIDP and GBS cases compared with healthy subjects and in both sexes compared with gender-matched healthy persons. Although LINC-ROR was up-regulated in total CIDP and total GBS cases compared with controls, in sex-based comparisons, it was only up-regulated in male CIDP cases compared with male controls (RME = 3.06, P = 0.03). Finally, expression of MEG3 was up-regulated in all subgroups of patients versus controls except for male GBS controls. SPRY4-IT could differentiate CIDP cases from controls with AUC = 0.84, sensitivity = 0.63 and specificity = 0.97. AUC values of DSCAM-AS1, MEG3, HULC, PVT1 and LINC-ROR were 0.80, 0.75, 0.74, 0.73 and 0.72, respectively. In differentiation between GBS cases and controls, SPRY4-IT and DSCAM-AS1 has the AUC value of 0.8. None of lncRNAs could appropriately differentiate between CIDP and GBS cases. Combination of all lncRNAs could not significantly enhance the diagnostic power. Taken together, these lncRNAs might be involved in the development of CIDP or GBS.
Effects of short- and long-term exposure to air pollution and meteorological factors on Meniere’s disease
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Lee Chang Ho , Yoo Dae Myoung , Min Chanyang , Park Bumjung , Kim So Young
Published: August 2021

The association between air pollutants and Meniere’s disease has not been explored. The present study investigated the relationship between meteorological factors and air pollutants on Meniere’s disease. Participants, aged ≥ 40 years, of the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort were included in this study. The 7725 patients with Meniere’s disease were matched with 30,900 control participants. The moving average meteorological and air pollution data of the previous 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months before the onset of Meniere’s disease were compared between the Meniere’s disease and control groups using conditional logistic regression analyses. Additional analyses were conducted according to age, sex, income, and residential area. Temperature range; ambient atmospheric pressure; sunshine duration; and levels of SO2, NO2, O3, CO, and PM10 for 1 month and 6 months were associated with Meniere’s disease. Adjusted ORs (odds ratios with 95% confidence interval [CI]) for 1 and 6 months of O3 concentration were 1.29 (95% CI 1.23–1.35) and 1.31 (95% CI 1.22–1.42), respectively; that for the 1 and 6 months of CO concentration were 3.34 (95% CI 2.39–4.68) and 4.19 (95% CI 2.79–6.30), respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated a steady relationship of O3 and CO concentrations with Meniere’s disease. Meteorological factors and air pollutants were associated with the rate of Meniere’s disease. In particular, CO and O3 concentrations were positively related to the occurrence of Meniere’s disease.
Identifying structural connectivity priorities in eastern Paraguay’s fragmented Atlantic Forest
Authors: de la Sancha Noé U. , Boyle Sarah A. , McIntyre Nancy E.
Published: August 2021

The Atlantic Forest of eastern Paraguay has experienced extensive recent deforestation. Less than one-third of the region is forested, and the remaining forest largely consists of isolated remnants with potentially disrupted connectivity for forest fauna. We used a graph theory approach to identify those forest remnants that are important in maintaining landscape structural connectivity for mammals in this fragmented forest. We quantified structural connectivity for forest remnants over the period 2000–2019 at three levels: the entire network of Atlantic Forest remnants in eastern Paraguay; at 10 smaller, nested spatial scales (40–10,000 m) encompassing a range of potential mammalian dispersal abilities; and at the level of individual remnants. We used 10 graph theory metrics to assess aspects of network complexity, dispersal-route efficiency, and individual remnant importance in supporting structural connectivity. We identified forest remnants that serve as important structural connectivity roles as stepping stones, hubs, or articulation points and that should be prioritized for connectivity conservation. Structural connectivity was constrained for organisms incapable of travelling at least 9–12 km (farthest distances between nearest-neighboring forest remnants depending on whether smaller remnants were included or not) and was particularly limited for area-sensitive forest-specialist mammals. With the increased forest loss and fragmentation that is occurring, the connectivity of this system will likely be further compromised, but most of the remnants that we identified as playing important roles for structural connectivity were outside of the country’s proposed “green corridor,” indicating additional areas where conservation action can be directed.
Relationship between serum lipid level and meibomian gland dysfunction subtype in Korea using propensity score matching
Authors: Ha Minji , Song Jiyun , Park Sunkyoung , Han Kyungdo , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun-Seung , Arita Reiko , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: August 2021

To analyze the relationship between systemic lipid profile levels and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) subtype in Korea. The ophthalmic data of 95 eyes and the serum lipid profiles of 95 patients were reviewed. These factors were compared with those of the general population using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which evaluated 2,917 subjects. Of these, the comparison group (1:5 ratio; n = 475) was selected using propensity score matching according to age and sex. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between serum lipid profile levels and MGD subtypes in MGD patients. The mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value of the MGD patients was significantly higher than that of the general population (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of the MGD patients was significantly lower than that of the general population (P = 0.0002). However, the mean total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels of the MGD patients were not significantly different from those of the general population (TC: P = 0.4282, TG: P = 0.5613). In addition, no serum lipid levels statistically differed among the MGD subtypes (TC: P = 0.7650, HDL: P = 0.2480, LDL: P = 0.3430, TG: P = 0.7030). A statistically significant increase in HDL and decrease in LDL concentration were observed in the MGD group, although there was no difference in any serum lipid level among the MGD subtypes.
Psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) is useful for the detection of psoriatic arthritis in the Japanese population
Authors: Setoyama Ayako , Sawada Yu , Saito-Sasaki Natsuko , Ohmori Shun , Omoto Daisuke , Yamamoto Kayo , Yoshioka Haruna , Okada Etsuko , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: August 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that involves various systemic organs and tissues and is characterized by scaly erythematous skin. Among the different types of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is frequently reported, and occasionally develops into severe arthritis leading to joint dysfunction. There are various tools, especially questionnaires, to identify the presence of PsA in European and American populations; however, little is known about the utility of these tools in the Asian population. In this study, we investigated the utility of a representative tool, the psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) questionnaire, to identify PsA among Japanese patients with psoriasis. A total of 143 patients with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. Among them, 29 patients were diagnosed with PsA. The frequency of PsA was significantly increased in patients with PEST scores > 3, with a sensitivity of 93.1% and a specificity of 78.9%. Among the questions in the PEST questionnaire, “Have you ever had a swollen joint?” showed the highest frequency to answer “Yes” among patients with PsA. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that high PEST scores (> 3) was an independent variable in PsA patients. Taken together, our study suggests that the PEST questionnaire is a useful tool to identify PsA among Japanese patients with psoriasis.
Nonsense variant of NR0B1 causes hormone disorders associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Fan Da-Bei , Li Li , Zhang Hao-Hao
Published: August 2021

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare X-linked recessive inherited disease that is considered a major cause of steroidogenesis disorder and is associated with variants or complete deletion of the NR0B1 gene. The DAX-1 protein (encoded by NR0B1) is a vertebrate-specific orphan nuclear receptor and is also a transcriptional factor for adrenal and reproductive development. CAH usually causes adrenal insufficiency in infancy and early childhood, leading to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood; however, few adult cases have been reported to date. In this study, we examined a Chinese family with one adult patient with CAH, and identified a putative variant of NR0B1 gene via next-generation sequencing (NGS), which was confirmed with Sanger sequencing. A novel nonsense variant (c.265C>T) was identified in the NR0B1 gene, which caused the premature termination of DAX-1 at residue 89 (p.G89*). Furthermore, mutant NR0B1 gene displayed a partial DAX-1 function, which may explain the late pathogenesis in our case. Additionally, qPCR revealed the abnormal expression of four important genes identified from ChIP-seq, which were associated with energy homeostasis and steroidogenesis, and were influenced by the DAX-1 mutant. In addition, hormone disorders can be caused by DAX-1 mutant and partially recovered by siRNA of PPARGC1A. Herein, we identified a novel nonsense variant (c.265C>T) of NR0B1 in a 24-year-old Chinese male who was suffering from CAH. This mutant DAX-1 protein was found to have disordered energy homeostasis and steroidogenesis based on in vitro studies, which was clinically consistent with the patient’s phenotypic features.
Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dermal papilla cells
Authors: Hwang Ji-Hye , Lee Hyun-Young , Chung Kyung Bae , Lee Hae June , Kim Jino , Song Kiwon , Kim Do-Young
Published: August 2021

There is an unmet need for novel, non-pharmacological therapeutics to treat alopecia. Recent studies have shown the potential biological benefits of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP), including wound healing, angiogenesis, and the proliferation of stem cells. We hypothesized that NTAPP might have a stimulatory effect on hair growth or regeneration. We designed an NTAPP-generating apparatus which is applicable to in vitro and in vivo experiments. The human dermal papilla (DP) cells, isolated fresh hair follicles, and mouse back skin were exposed with the NTAPP. Biological outcomes were measured using RNA-sequencing, RT-PCR, Western blots, and immunostaining. The NTAPP treatment increased the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes (AMER3, CCND1, LEF1, and LRG1) and proteins (β-catenin, p-GSK3β, and cyclin D1) in human DP cells. In contrast, inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, endo-IWR1 and IWP2, attenuated the levels of cyclin D1, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin proteins induced by NTAPP. Furthermore, we observed that NTAPP induced the activation of β-catenin in DP cells of hair follicles and the mRNA levels of target genes of the β-catenin signaling pathway (CCND1, LEF1, and TCF4). NTAPP-treated mice exhibited markedly increased anagen induction, hair growth, and the protein levels of β-catenin, p-GSK3β, p-AKT, and cyclin D1. NTAPP stimulates hair growth via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in DP cells. These findings collectively suggest that NTAPP may be a potentially safe and non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention for alopecia.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the gills and hepatopancreas from Macrobrachium rosenbergii exposed to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd2+)
Authors: Liu Xue , Jiang Hucheng , Ye Baoqing , Qian Hongli , Guo Ziqi , Bai Haotian , Gong Jinhua , Feng Jianbin , Ma Keyi
Published: August 2021

Heavy metal Cadmium (Cd2+) pollution has become a severe environmental problem for aquatic organisms. In crustaceans, gills (Gi) and hepatopancreas (Hp) play a vital role in the toxicology. However, in Macrobrachium rosenbergill, there are few researches about gill and hepatopancreases responding to Cd2+ stress at a molecular level. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was applied to characterize gene expression profiles of gills and hepatopancreas of M. rosenbergill after Cd2+ exposure for 0 h, 3 h and 3 d. Six cDNA libraries (Gi 0 h, Gi 3 h, Gi 3 d, Hp 0 h, Hp 3 h, and Hp 3 d) were constructed and a total of 66,676 transcripts and 48,991 unigenes were annotated. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated by comparing the Cd2+ treated time-point libraries (3 h and 3 d group) with the control library (0 h group). The results showed that most of the DEGs were down-regulated after Cd2+ exposure and the number of DEGs among gill groups were significantly higher than those among hepatopancreas groups. GO functional and KEGG pathway analysis suggested many key DEGs in response to the Cd2+ stress, such as metallothionein and Hemocyanin. Additionally, a total of six DEGs were randomly selected to further identify their expressional profile by qPCR. The results indicated that these DEGs were involved in the response to Cd2+. This comparative transcriptome provides valuable molecular information on the mechanisms of responding to Cd2+ stress in M. rosenbergii, which lays the foundation for further understanding of heavy metal stress.
Plant death caused by inefficient induction of antiviral R-gene-mediated resistance may function as a suicidal population resistance mechanism
Authors: Abebe Derib A. , van Bentum Sietske , Suzuki Machi , Ando Sugihiro , Takahashi Hideki , Miyashita Shuhei
Published: August 2021

Land plant genomes carry tens to hundreds of Resistance (R) genes to combat pathogens. The induction of antiviral R-gene-mediated resistance often results in a hypersensitive response (HR), which is characterized by virus containment in the initially infected tissues and programmed cell death (PCD) of the infected cells. Alternatively, systemic HR (SHR) is sometimes observed in certain R gene–virus combinations, such that the virus systemically infects the plant and PCD induction follows the spread of infection, resulting in systemic plant death. SHR has been suggested to be the result of inefficient resistance induction; however, no quantitative comparison has been performed to support this hypothesis. In this study, we report that the average number of viral genomes that establish cell infection decreased by 28.7% and 12.7% upon HR induction by wild-type cucumber mosaic virus and SHR induction by a single-amino acid variant, respectively. These results suggest that a small decrease in the level of resistance induction can change an HR to an SHR. Although SHR appears to be a failure of resistance at the individual level, our simulations imply that suicidal individual death in SHR may function as an antiviral mechanism at the population level, by protecting neighboring uninfected kin plants.
Cloud ice fraction governs lightning rate at a global scale
Authors: Han Yong , Luo Hao , Wu Yonghua , Zhang Yijun , Dong Wenjie
Published: August 2021

Lightning flash rate is strongly influenced by cloud microphysics, such as cloud ice properties, but this relationship is poorly constrained. Here we analyze 20 years of satellite-derived lightning flash rate data and cloud water data from the ERA-Interim reanalysis above continental and ocean regions at a global scale. We find a robust modified gamma function relationship between cloud ice fraction and lightning rate. Lightning rate increases initially with increasing cloud ice fraction in stratocumulus, liquid clouds. Maximum flash rates are reached at a critical cloud ice fraction value that is associated with high top, large optical thickness, deep convective clouds. Beyond the critical value, lightning rate decreases as the ice fraction increases to values representative of cirrus, ice clouds. We find consistent critical ice fraction values over continental and oceanic regions, respectively, with a lower value over the continent due to greater cloud thickness at similar cloud top height. We suggest that our findings may help improve the accuracy of lightning forecast and hazard prediction.
A multicolor enzyme-linked immunoassay method for visual readout of carbendazim
Authors: Liu Haoran , Wang Yiwen , Fu Ruijie , Zhou Jing , Liu Yanlin , Zhao Qiyang , Yao Jingjing , Cui Yongliang , Wang Chengqiu , Jiao Bining , He Yue
Published: August 2021

A multicolor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of carbendazim has been developed based on horseradish peroxidase-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine system-mediated etching of gold nanorods.
Effect of ferric iron and nitrate on hydrogen sulfide control in lab-scale reactors
Authors: Yang Zhi , Zhu David Z. , Yu Tong , Shypanski Adam , Zhang Guijiao , Zhou Yongchao
Published: August 2021

Nitrate demand for sulfide control in force mains can be significantly reduced by injecting nitrate at the downstream section of force mains instead of at the beginning of force mains.
Effect of heat treatment on the digestion behavior of pea and rice protein dispersions and their blends, studied using the semi-dynamic INFOGEST digestion method
Authors: Jiménez-Munoz L. , Brodkorb A. , Gómez-Mascaraque L. G. , Corredig M.
Published: August 2021

In the present study, the structuring and breakdown of a 5% protein dispersion prepared with commercial fractions of pea and rice isolates (PPI and RPI, respectively) were monitored by in vitro digestion.
mRNA-based CAR T-cells manufactured by miniaturized two-step electroporation produce selective cytotoxicity toward target cancer cells
Authors: Jayasooriya Vidura , Ringwelski Beth , Dorsam Glenn , Nawarathna Dharmakeerthi
Published: August 2021

mRNA based CAR T-cells manufactured by two-step electroporation selectively kill target cancer cells.
Expanding the limits towards ‘one-pot’ DNA assembly and transformation on a rapid-prototype microfluidic device
Authors: Perry James M. , Soffer Guy , Jain Raja , Shih Steve C. C.
Published: August 2021

A rapid-prototype digital microfluidic platform for assembly and transformation of large plasmids – aided by a novel electrode design, a closed-loop water replenishment system, and a precisely tuned temperature control system.
Conjugated polymer coating enabled light-resistant black phosphorus with enhanced stability
Authors: Li Xingyun , Han Bin , Xu Yaojie , Liu Xiao , Zhao Chunhui , Xu Jun
Published: August 2021

This work functionalized a light-absorbing conjugated polymer on the surface of black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets, providing BP nanosheets with light-resistance and enhanced stability.
Synergizing Cu dimers and N atoms in graphene towards an active catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Jing , Yu Zhi Gen , Zhang Yong-Wei
Published: August 2021

We have explored the synergizing effect between Cu and N in Cu2Nx complexes in graphene and find that one of the Cu2N4 atomic configurations possesses a ΔGH* of −0.09 eV, exhibiting a superior catalytic performance for HER.
Bimetallic Au–Pd nanoparticles supported on silica with a tunable core@shell structure: enhanced catalytic activity of Pd(core)–Au(shell) over Au(core)–Pd(shell)
Authors: Kalita Gauravjyoti D. , Sarmah Podma P. , Kalita Golap , Das Pankaj
Published: August 2021

A facile approach for the synthesis of bimetallic Au–Pd core–shell nanoparticles with tunable core and shell atoms and their synergistic influences on chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines and hydration of nitriles to amides.
Naphthalene-diimide-based all-conjugated block copolymer as an effective compatibilizer to improve the performance and thermal stability of all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Kato Aoto , Su Li-Yun , Lin Yan-Cheng , Wang Leeyih , Chen Wen-Chang , Chueh Chu-Chen , Higashihara Tomoya
Published: August 2021

A new donor–acceptor-type all-conjugated block copolymer, P(NDI-DBDT)-b-P(NDI-2T), is synthesized through the coupling of a naphthalene diimide (NDI)-bithiophene segment-based polymer and an NDI-dithienylbenzodithiophene (DBDT) segment-based polymer.
Regio- and enantioselective amination of acyclic branched α-alkynyl ketones: asymmetric construction of N-containing quaternary stereocenters
Authors: He Faqian , Wang Jiawen , Zhou Fang , Tao Houchao , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: August 2021

Direct regio- and enantioselective amination of acyclic α-branched ketones enabled by the α-alkynyl group.
Real-time prediction of 1H and 13C chemical shifts with DFT accuracy using a 3D graph neural network
Authors: Guan Yanfei , Shree Sowndarya S. V. , Gallegos Liliana C. , St. John Peter C. , Paton Robert S.
Published: August 2021

From quantum chemical and experimental NMR data, a 3D graph neural network, CASCADE, has been developed to predict carbon and proton chemical shifts. Stereoisomers and conformers of organic molecules can be correctly distinguished.
Correction: Bimetallic CeZr5-UiO-66 as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Xiaoman , Gao Wanguo , Luo Shijian , Su Senda , Huang Rong , Luo Min
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Bimetallic CeZr5-UiO-66 as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction’ by Xu Zhang et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1se00658d.